
Class 

Book._^_!X 
GopyiightN? 


cohlRIght DEPosrr. 







-"‘V ' ■ ■ ‘ 

.‘V; ‘ V-, 


.’ ■ ■'Pvff 




\ 




■ 4lliiMv>rl 




ti 

V 


^!fl«'''f 'i 'g' ■■ 

■ '■ t 

'k fS ' ' \- ' ' ' Y 'U 9)i T^i ''‘^ 


(t 


I. r, “. I 

iaa, 


's 




< >r 








' * Wto 



V^t’rx 

y> iff- ^.. 

nu ‘ ‘v^ 

‘ ' ^ '■ '/ ‘ ' '‘ 





This story is written from 
‘*f,fr„hme when Dr. Livingston 

H. Stanly explored North Africa , 



Written by - 


Jeanette Wheeler-Cooper 
1916. 


■ L? 





^V^'^ ';. -‘i'iiiVi, ,''4 V'A V. j'^ * V ' 

■^^0:mr0d!$fsm - 

■■■\- " '-■'[•l^’l'^d- ■' , fk - .'■‘’{•Ai i • ' .'i''‘J<ft-f . -Vv '.' ^ •• i;' 

:>;v ‘::'1-':r’m:. /v ,.: 


,• 't 


raw . I . 

.' ' t. . . '•■ ■ ''.M'':'-; ■,'. 




.<4/' I * M' 

^ - 










.'; ' 




'i 5 


' I ^ * ' w ' . *■ i I' . ^ V f'* * J ^ ' I V 1 ^ ’it ► ■ » ' ,* Tj ; i ^ . 1 » Ij* \/‘ ' i k,»V*i . ' ‘ •' ,' V •* ’*•'’ * ^ ■" f / ••'* i' < I -^ * ' ' ' ' ^^1 1 ^ ( t **■ V *1 * f ' ' '* ' 1 1 ' k ^ ^ ' ' *'' 


, •■5 :■ 







v-> • V 


^fll^ , '’If., ■ r-'f ;;' 


liii»::itll^^Kilpf®lt^? 

.• ;' ;v, •• :: >.•.'. /'i'-f /-•-'■ -'"■ r ' ■ -'V ^ '-V,- .‘J,. '-V'i’ '• - - ?•' ‘ v-X V-''.\-‘vW v . 

•’ '1 -V.'^-3 ■ • : '■■ ;■■ ' , . ^ ; , .-■•■ ..' V. . : ; : ■ frv ■;' !■„ "i:/ ' 


MMi 










■ J)C 


■4 


.•si'jk' 


'bn:'h‘ii 




,, .vi 




fmf 






!;:'4'‘'^rf-'.4-^T;f 

’ V^-' 

uvvVV'^;''^ 


0m0&0: '&-d > ^ :'■ " ' ^ 

<'^--\d" '■: ■ »•■.'• ■j-'-L ••.'■ ■ •■>'• '•'•!'• .••^- ji./'.' ;'''''■■,■■>•'.■■■■ ' ■: i' 

mw''. 

- -' V :'■ ■•,■.■■;.-•. .'.■■■■■'• 'I';’-': 

^♦S'/j'"' ■ ' ■' "I ■ \ ' ' ■ v'i . '■ ■' i ‘ ‘ ■ ^'c 

. ‘ '• ■•:■ '■ :'. ;■ '"vV ; ...•/■• 


/ 


The Hidden Treasure 


MOKOLOHO. 

^ 

•T* 


This stoiy is written from the 
time when Dr. Livingston and 
H. Stanly explored North Africa 



COPYRIGHT 1919. 


Written by 

Jeanette Wheeler-Cooper 
1916, ' 



t 

4 


©CI.A52 9 36<^ 


t 


4 

\ 





♦ 


% » 



f 


JUL 28 |yi9 


PRELUDE 


David Livingston was on his way to his mission in Rumman in the Bech- 
iiana country, six hundred miles northesat of Cape Town. From there to the 
wonderful Victoria Fails, when he came upon two tribes of natives, called 
the Mokolohos and the Bechuana. He received a friendly reception from 
each of the mighty chiefs. King Mokoloho and King Bechuana. While visit- 
ing King Mokoloho he was entertained royaly in the savages native way, and 
in time they become good friends. 

King Mokoloho wished to learn how to rule his Kingdom like the white 
Kings across the water ruled their Kingdoms. Dr. Livingston told him he 
would help him by first teaching how to learn to read and write. Then he 
could establish schools to teach his people. After learning how to read and 
write the rest will come easy, in learning the white man’s way. 

King Mbkoloho had two sons named Rabba Rega and Nauyora. Rabba 
Rega had a kind and loving disposition, Nauyora hateful, sulkey and revenge- 
ful. Rabba Rega, like his father, wished to be more then a savage; he was 
the oldest of the two. The oldest son or daughter of the Kingdom of Mo- 
koloho will become ruler after the deceased of tbe present ruler, 
and if tbe nresput ruler has not a bpir. thp nearest relative be- 
comes the heir. That part of King Mokoloho’s ruling was like the white 
Kings. Nauyora covet the position of his brother, and that was one of his 
reasons for hating his brother. But. Rabba Regga loved his brother as a 
brother should, and was ignorant of his brother’s feelings towards him. If 
King Mokoloho had his preference of the two, he never showed it. He treated 
them both as a loving father would. 

In Dr. Livingston’s company of explorers were natives, servants, and 
some white men. Amons: the white man was a Philip Gordon, an American. 
His birthplace was San Francisco. At the age of fifteen, he left his home to 
become an adventurer. After he had been everywhere, he settled in Landon, 
Ens:land. Some times lates he heard that Dr, Livingston wanted men to go 
with him to Africa. He presented himself to Dr. Livingston, and was accept- 
ed. 

So he joined the exploration, not for the love of exploring, but for the 
gain of wealth. During Dr. Livingston’s stay at King Mokoloho’s kingdom, 
Philip G-orden had a chance to find out Nauyora’s feeling toward his brother 
Rabba Rega, and Philip Gorden saw where he could gain a great deal by it. 
So while King Mokoloho and his son Rabba Rega were learning from Dr. 
Livingston, Philip Gorden was scheming to find a way to get at the wealth, 
which he was sure was there, and was sure to get at it, through the younger 
son Nauyora. 

On Chief Mokoloho’s dominion, is a Hidden Treasure. Philip Gordem 
heard of this treasure, had not been on the place long, before 
he began to make secret investigation, but was met with disapnoint- 
ments. He could not see anything that looked like diamond’s or gold, so, 
thought he to himself, the wealth must be here, these savages must of horded 
it together, put it in a treasure, and hid it. ^ ' 

Ves, the wealth was there and. was Ipft where the Moknioho found it. 

The fathers of the reigning King, discovered the wealth years ago. 
While out rambling, they discovered an ppor’nsr in the mountains, and 
thought to explore it see where it would lead. After going through 
the opeHjng a little ways, they found they were in a gully and it was leading 


II 


PRELUDE. 


in the heart of the mountains. They were keen for an adventure, so they 
followed the passage, and wondering where it would end. And while think- 
ing about it they came to the end of the passage. They discovered a large 
size place, formed like a large room. They entered it and was amazed at 
seeing such beautiful twinkling: glass, and beautiful large yellow rocks, 
the ceiling and in the sides of the wall. 

The floor was littered v/ith jewels. Of course being heathens, they 
did not know the value of them. It happened to be the King and his eldest 
son wha made the discovery, and they decided to keen the secret in the 

family, and not even let the people know of the beautiful stones and of the 

large yellow rocks. As time went on each reigning King, and oldest son or 

daughter knew of the secret treasure chamber. A native was placed at the 

entrance to guard (one at night and one in the day), so that no prowlers 
would happen to discover It. They also used the chamber to store their other 
wealth, such as ioyry and pearls. So, Philip was figuring in what way hie 
could best accomplish his desire. At first he thought of questioning some of 
his natives, was wondering how he could go about it. A plan entered his 
would question the natives in a round about way. and if he could 
from them, he would see what he could do with the brothers. 
Kabba Rega and Nauyora. So he put his plans in action. The natives did 
^ou\d not tell. He had the same luck wkh Rabba Rega. He 
then made un his mind to go to Nauvora in a d iff rent way. 

So while the father and elder brother were with Dr. Livingston learn- 
ing or their time employed elsewhere. Philip would make it his business to 
fn? and tell him of his wonderful adventures, and wonder- 

he h«d ® travels. He showed Nauyora, an uncut diamond 

he had in his possession, and also showed a small gold nugget (He had 

saTthe vJpose). WPen Nauyora 

saw the diamond and nugget, his mind went back to the time when he had 

others were more beautiful and larger, than 
the ones the white man holds in his hand. For Nauyora too had seen the 
secret chamber with the hidden treasure. 

wv. Nauyom came to discover the Mokoloho’s secret, I will explain 

When he was nuite young, he played one day near the entrance of the cave 

i^ntiTbP^cf’if attention to the guard 

wpIL f u- grandfather go up to the guard and say a few 

iTkp^f I 1^^^' father and grandfather entered a place that looked 

like a hole m the side of the mountain. That action aroused his childish 
^riosity and he made up his mind to follow and see where they would go 
by th'^guarfanS^foM grandfather got some distance, then he slipped 

The Mokolohos had by this time had a secret door placed on the entrance 
to the chamber, and the only way to open the door was by pressing a button 
which was also put in secret lay. When the oldest son or Shter of the 
King of Mokoloho comes to age, the reigning King or Queen, would tell them 
of the secret chamber and its legion, and take them there and show them how 
to enter and how to work the secret entrance. This secret is not to b^to?^ 
brothers or sisters, unless they are to be the future heirs. When 
auyora saw his parents press the button and enter, his surprise knew no 
saw them enter the chamber, he followed and as he got t^the 
hpautff”^ ^ greater surprise. There before him was the 

there before bis #hildish 
eyes, the things his forefathers saw and the things that bi<a o-vo a 

guarded so carefully, and here this white man telling him 
this little stone was priceless, what would he think if he saw tbp 
the secret charnber. And, Gordon explainlnl t‘o Wm* aSoVtThe‘ meantg ol 


PkniuDB. 


Ill 


money and how he could obtain money by exchanging these beautiful sparkl- 
ing, changeable colored glass, those yellow stones to get money and plenty 
of it. Then go to the beautiful and wonderful places that Philip Gorden tells 
hint of. And, all he will have to do, is to show or tell Philip where to find 
more, like the ones he held in his hand. Nauyora pondered over what Philip 
had said. He knew by telling Philip Gorden his father’s secret, he would be 
doing wrong, but what would he gain for not telling. After the death of his 
father, the 'throne and the treasures will go to his brother Rabba Rega, and 
nothing much to him. 

So, at last he said to Philip, “I would love to see the beautiful places 
you speak of. I’ve always longed to see, what is on the other side of the 
water.” 

“You will see all the places, I will take you to them, providing you do 
as I say,” said Philip. 

Philip Gorden eyed Nauyora for a second, and then said, “I know you 
have seen diamonds and gold beefore. That is what these are called.” 

In the meantime he handed Nauyora the diamond and the gold nugget. 
Then went on saying, “When I showed you those (pointing to the diamond and 
nugget), I could see from the look in your eyes that you saw the like of 
them before.” 

He paused for a second, and then said, “I want to ask you a %w ques- 
tions about your position in your family.” 

“At the death of your father, your brother will be the future ruler, will 
he not?” 

“Yes, he will be ruler,” answered Nauyora. 

Will your father’s treasures, be his too?” asked Philip. 

“Yes, with the rulership the treasures and everything connected with 
the kingdom, goes to my brother.” 

“What will you get?” 

“Oh, I will get something, but nothing compared to my brothers. And 
then, I will always have a home in my brother’s house. I will be his heir 
even after marriage, unless he has children.” 

“I’m afraid, you will never be his heir Nauyora, for more then likely he 
will soon marry and there will be children.” 

“Yes, I think the same,” said Nauyora. 

Philip Gorden narrowed his eye and looked at Nauyora and said, “What 
you need Nauyora is, as much of your father’s treasures as you can get away 
with, and sail with me to those wonderful places I told you of.” 

Nauyora sat in silence for a while, thinking. Then he said to Philip, 
“Their is such stones and nuggets like the ones you have, right here on this 
place. At least, they were here years ago.” 

He then told Philip of 'his childish adventure, and also said, “ I would 
not today, of known of the cave, if I had not went, upon that adventure. 
For, you see, ever since my forefathers discovered the hidden treasure cham- 
ber, they called it the secret chamber, and kept it secretly hidden, and -no 
one is supposed to know about it, but the King and the King that is to rule 
when the former is dead. (If the heir to the throne be a daughter, she will 
also know of the secret and rule). 

They are under an oath not to tell either brother or sister, Nauyora 
went on saying, “my father has the least idea, that I know of this hidden 
treasure.” 

“So much the better,” said Philip. It will be easier for you to help 
yourself to as much as you want. And your father will never suspect you.” 

The tempter went on saying, “I think the rules and legions of your 
fathers are one sided affairs. I believe in each child sharing alike. For boys 
they want wives and sweethearts, don’t they? well they must have money to, 


IV 


PRELUDE. 


have them. On the other side of the water you will se some beautiful girls, 
more beautiful than your girls. He paused and watched Nauyora to see how 
his words were taking effect. Nauyora was all attention, and Philip felt as 
if he was doing pretty well. Philip went on saying, “These beautiful things 
(holding out the hand that held the diamond and nugget), would buy the 
best of them.” 

Nauyora, by this time was all excited. He was fighting the two spirits, the 
good and evil. The good seemed to conquer, for he said, “No, Philip, I will 
not betray my father’s secret. I’m sorry I told you what I did.” 

“Then, you are a bigger fool, then I took you to be.” answered Philip 
Gorden. He then said: “Listen Nauyora, you are mistreated, and everyone 
can see that your brother, is your fathers favorite, and you are just a hang 
on. You are foolish, for staying here, while over there is so much for you. 
“If you would listen to me, and let me help you, you would never regret it. 
And after I had taken you to those beautiful places, you will never want to 
see this place again.” 

Nauyora had not as yet said a word, but Philip Gorden could see by the 
look in his eyes, that he had made an impression, and made up his mind to 
let the subject drop for the present. He then said to Nauyora, “You need not 
give me your answer now, all I want is, for you to think over, what I have 
said. Thfen you may meet me here tomorrow night, and then you can give me 
your answer.” 

“All right,” said Nauyora, I will be here. 

All that day and the next, Nauyora thought over what Philip Gorden 
bod said. At first he decided not to let Philip tempt him. Although every word 
Philip said was true. His hate for his brother had increased since conversa- 
tion with Philip Gorden. It it was just his brothers secret he was to betray 
he would not hesitate. But with his father, his feeling was different, for 
he loved his father, and had always been an obedient son to him, and this 
makes it hard for him to decide, or make up his mind to betray him, but then 
as Philip Gorden says, “what would hie gain by not doing it.” 

evening aiP>roaeied, he still had not decided when he thought of 
all the years his father had made over his brother, and his fathers 
indifieronce tcward him. his anger got the best of him. and to think that in 
I he future his brother will have the best of the situation, his hatred for his 
brother increased all the more. 

Then saying to himself, what a fool I am to have the chance for revenge, 
and I hesitate to take it. When darkness came, it finds him on his 
way to keep his appointment with Philip Gorden; and in a few minutes he is 
in the presence of Philip Gorden. Philip is overjoyed in seeing him and said, 
“what is your answer Nauyora, yes or no?” My answer will be yes, if you 
keep your promise in taking me with you and dividing what we steal from 
the secret chamber with me. 

You may rest easy about that, said Philp, for I will keep my word lied 
he. Can any of your people or servants be trusted with our secret asked 
Philip, you know we cannot be too careful. 

I will see what I can do in getting some of my peoples help, and I’ll be 
careful not to make no mistake in asking them. Good, said Philip, I am sure 
I can get several of my comrades help, and I too will be careful. The two 
worthies shooks hands and parted. 

After Philip Gorden’s interview with Nauyora, he then began to look 
among Dr. Livingston’s men and his companions, for allies to help carry our 
his scheme. He found several that were willing. So he unfolded his plans to 
them, and found that they were as eager as he to wealth. He also told them 
his intentions; when the appointed time came, Philip Gorden had everything 


PRBLUDH. 


V 


ready and waiting at the appointed place for Nauyora. Philip Gordon was 
restless too, he knew he was taking desperate chances. What assurance did 
he have that Nauyora or some of the others, might betray him. He was think- 
ing if he just knew where the secret chamber was, he would take chances in 
going after the wealth alone, and take chances in getting by the guard. Just 
as he got to the end of his thoughts, Nauyora puts in his appearence. Philip 
hails him, and in a glad voice said, “you are late, I began to think that you 
had lost courage, or probably your people had found out something.” 

“I took care of that,” said Nauyora. “Although I could not get here 
any sooner. It was like this, when there are strangers around, my father has 
many spies, and thiey watch everyones movements. I saw one watching you, 
and that is why I did not come before now. I waited until he started towards 
his home, then I came to you. “You may rest assured, he did not find out 
anything from my movement said Philip Gorden. So now let us get down to 
business. How did you succeed in getting your men?” 

“I found one that will help, by promising him that we will take him with 
us. Did you succeed in getting your men” said Nauyora. 

Yes, says Gorden, as far as my part all is ready, and waiting for you. 
When you are ready. I’ll lead you to the secret chamber. My man is near, 
all I need to do is to let him kno^ Wihen we are ready. All my people loves 
my father, and I could not find but one, that was willing to help me to steal 
from him. 

“You are not stealing Nauyora, says Gorden. You know I 
told you before, that you are just taking what rightly belongs to you.” Have 
your way about it,” said Nauyora, “what ever you say, does make me feel 
less than a thief. I will not back out, but will go all the way with you in 
this. For once I give a promise I will keep it. And if you do not, well (said 
Nauyora giving Philip Gorden a measuring look in the eyes) you will never 
forget how Nauyora pays a traitor. 

Philip Gorden quailed under the look for a second, then straightened up 
and pats Nauyora on the shoulder and said, “That threat is not for me, for I, 
will keep my promise.” Then Philip Gorden gave a low whistle, and in a few 
seconds, several forms approached from the darkness. And as they drew 
nearer, Nauyora saw they were some of Livingston’s men. Then Philip 
said to Nauyora, “These are the men I picked out to help us. So call your 
man, and then we will go.” 

Nauyora called his man, and they all started for the entrance of the 
cave, that lead to the secret chamber. While on the way, Philip asked 
Nauyora, “How many men stood guard at the entrance of the cave.” 

“Only one, said Nauyora.” “If he sees me, the son of his king, he won’t 
think anything. He does not know that I’m not to know the secret. Have 
you got your native disguises with you?” 

“Yes,” said Philip. 

“Well, you and your men had better put them on, for we are nearly 
there.” 

In a few minutes, Philip and his men were disguised as natives, and 
Nauyora was pleased to see how much like natives they looked. Nauyora then 
said, “I’ve arranged so that two of us shall enter first, the two that enter, 
shall be you and 1. Then my man shall enter, and is supposed to talk with 
me, and then come out and take the guard away, telling him that the man 
that entered with me, will stand guard on the inside of the cave. Then my 
man will say to him, ‘You may go home for an hour, and I will take your 
place.’ Then, no sooner then the guard leaves, call your men and then I’ll 
lead you to the secret chamber.” 


VI 


PRELUDE. 


There had not been much change made to the chamber since Nauyora 
saw it last. Only one change. Nauyora’s father and grandfather had explor- 
ed the chamber farther, and found a smaller room farther back, and in that 
room, they stored the valuest of the wealth, and also inserted a secret door 
to it too. When closed it also looked like a solid rock; And no one knew 
of it at the time, but King Mokoloho and his oldest son Rabba Rega. So 
when Nauyora the traitor led his companions to the chamber of wealth, 
he thought he was leading them to the only secret the mountain held. 

When Nauyora pressed the button, and the door slided back and let 
their eager eyes rested upon the beauties within, you could imagine the look 
upon their eager, greedy faces. They all rubbed their eyes to see if they 
were awake or dreaming. Philip Gorden was the first to recover from his 
amazement and said, “My men, we have not much time, get busy. You can 
admire the beauties after we get some of them and get out of here.” So the 
men got to work, filling the bags and carrying them to the river, and to the 
boat they had there for that purpose. After they had got all they could 
carry and was ready to start away, Philip Gorden gave his men a knowing 
look. Philip Gorden ihad no intention of taking Nauyora with him as he 
promised. All he wanted was to use him as a tool, then get rid of him. It 
did not matter to Philip how. So after the men got all the gold, ivory, 
pearls and diamonds stored away in the boat, they were all ready to leave. 
They all climbed in the boat one at a time. When it came Nauyora’s and his 
man’s time to climb in, two of Philip’s men (by Philip’s orders) sneaked up be- 
hind Nauyora and his man; Each ofPhilip’s men had a club In their hands, 
and each hand with the club decended down on Nauyora and his man’s head, 
and Nauyora and his man did not know nothing until later. Then Nauyora 
finds himself in the court room of his fathers, and discovers he is lying on 
a cot, his father, brother and many of biis people are around him. He saw 
Dr. Livingston and some of his men among the people, assembled in the 
room. He did not see Philip Gorden or any of his companions that was with 
him on that wonderful night. Then his eyes wondered farther around the 
room, and then he saw a face that brought his mind back to the night of the 
happenings. The face he saw was the one of the native. that helped him. He 
also saw the guard that he had his man (that is the native), to lure away 
from the secret chamber. 

Then everything came back to him, his eyes wondered again, and linger- 
ed on every face the principal actors of this drama of real life for a second 
and at last rested on his companion of his nights adventure, and for the first 
time discovered that the native was a prisoner, and by this discovery he 
knew that his father and the rest knew all. His mind goes back to the be- 
ginning of the adventure of the evening before, and then his mind wonders 
on, until be came to the time when he starts to climb into the boat, and 
something struck him on the back of his head, then everything became a 
blank. Now. when he came back from the dark to light, he finds himself 
in the room where all law breakers are brought, and stern looking faces 
all around him. Then it dawned on his mind for the first time, that Philip 
Gorden had not kept his promise. And discovered at last, what that lick on 
the back of the head meant. That Philip did not intend from the first to 
keep his promise, and had used him to get the gold and then leave him. He 
swore to himself then, ^ if ever he saw Philip Gorden again, nothing will be 
shorter then killing. 

At last Nauyora faces his father, and saw on his father’s face a sterner 
look. Then Nauyora knew that he need not expect mercy from him. Some- 
how, he could not take his eyes from his father’s face. He could not while 
his father is giving him such a look, for he knew that his father was look- 


PRELUDE. 


ViX 


ing down to the bottom of his guilty heart. And by that look, Nauyora knows 
Ms father knows he is a traitor. At last his father said to him in a stern 
voice, “Nauyora get your belongings, and come here!’’ Nauyora got his be- 
longings, and was again in the presence of his father. Philip Gorden had his 
men to knock Nauyora and his man on the head as they started to climb in 
the boat, and they did their work only too well, for Nauyora and his man 
laid unconscious until the guard who was sent away for an hour returned, 
and found them in that condition. The guard went to the King and told 
him of his discovery. King Mokoloho arroused a few of his men, and they 
air went to the place where the unconscious men laid. Nauyora’s man was 
the first to gain conscious. And when he saw the king, fear became his mas- 
ter, and he confessed all. 

They made a prisoner of Nauyora’s accomplice, then made a litter for 
Nauyora, for he had not gained conscious yet. They carried hiim to the 
court room and set to bring him to conscious. Nauyora was listening to hear 
his father pronounce his death sentence. Imagine his surprise, when hear- 
ing his father telling him to get his belongings and come to him. 

After Nauyora returned with his belongings, his father looked him over 
with the same stern look in his face, and said, “Nauyora, I have had the 
court to assemble here, to hear your case, and to decide what is best to do 
with you. My people for generations back, has been warned not to pry in 
their rulers secrets. It has been explained to them, that they should not 
meddle with the secret chamber. If caught prying, or trying to enter the 
secret chamber, the penalty would be death. It grieves me to think my son, 
would be the first to break the rules. Not only entering himself, but take 
others with him and help to rob me;’’ King Mokoloho paused for a second, 
there was a painful look in his eye, although his face was as stern as before. 
He then said, “From this hour on, I do not consider you my son. From now 
on, you are an enemy and a traitor. We have voted on your case, and I vot- 
ed you to be put to death. But they voted that you should vanish from the 
dominion, the votes for you to be banished won. If any of my people were 
to see you at anytime around here, they shall seize you and bring you here 
to me, and I will have you put to death.’’ 

Then King Mokoloho hands him a large sized bag, containing some of 
the dearest of stones and gold nuggets (that came from the smaller room of 
the hidden treasure of which the Mokoloho calls the secret chamber.) You 
can exchange these into money, and it will bring you enough to last you a 
long time, unless you let someone make a fool of you again. I know the 
full particulars of your last night’s doings. Your partner in crime confessed 
all. 

Nauyora stood with a bowed head, while his father talked. “Go now,“ 
said King Mokoloho, to his son Nauyora. “And never let me see your face 
again!’’ Nauyora went from his father’s presence, and also from the do- 
minion, with his head bowed, and with hate in his heart for his father, the 
people of Mokoloho and more for his brother. He then takes an oath, and 
said, “The last thing I will do in this life is to have revengences on you 
will not let you. I swear it and I ask you, “Oh, evil spirit to help me.’’ 

Nauyora was some distance from his father’s dominion, when he took 
Rabba Rega, you or yours will not hold Mokoloho in peace, for, mine and I 
the oath of revengences, and nothing but the broad plains and the sky was 
there as witnesses . 

Nauyora became a wanderer. With the wealth his father gave him, 
enabled him to travel to the four corners of the earth. He became tired of 
traveling, and he decided to settle. He began to look about for a place to set- 
tle, he went over in his mind the places he had been, and found the only place 


VIII 


PRHLUDH. 


that suited him was America. And the Northern part of America he went, 
and in a few weeks, he was in San Francisco. 

Nauyora did not have the teachings his father and brother had. While 
Dr. Liveingston was giving lessons to his father and brother, he was else 
where, for at that time he did not care to learn. ^ But he did find in his 
travels, that education was needed. Although Nauyora had good wisdom and 
a crafty mind, these gifts helped him a great deal. These also made it 
easy for him to pick up book learning here and there. But his greatest teach- 
er was experience. He had not come to any decision as to what he would do 
when he settled. So when he landed in San Francisco, he had not decided 
yet. He wandered around the city taking in the sights, and made great 
discoveries. And some of these discoveries were the color line was down be- 
tween the white and black. He was also surjirised to see so many people of 
his race in America. Although some were lighter then himself, and some 
looked like they were white. And it seemed so strange to him, to be told 
that they were of his race. In time, he began to feel at home, with his 
American people. He made friends among them. He learned their way of 
living. He did not take to the church set, but to the worldly set he took to. 
The gay life and plenty of sport, was what he wanted. One of his new ac- 
quaintences said to him, “Nauyora, if you want to have real sport and gay 
life, come with me to Chicago; I’m going there in a few days.” Then Nauyora 
told him his wish. 

“Well, Chicago is the place for you; said the friend. And to Chicago, 
Nauyora went. Nauyora was no fool, he was careful of his money, and was 
wise in not letting his companions know too much of his affairs. He had in 
his adventures, that the least you say about your affairs, the better. While 
enroute to Chicago, Nauyora tells his companion, that he would like to open 
up a gambling house, and (lies) said, “My father intends to send me money 
to go in business, as soon as I am settled.” 


“When you are ready, I will help you to get placed. While you are wait- 
ing to hear from your father, I will take you around and show you the city,” 
said his companion. After arriving in Chicago, Nauyora made his rounds, 
and in a few months, Nauyora become a full fledged Chicago man. He was 
able to talk on all the topics of the sporting class, and in the meantime, he 
had become a professional gambler, and had also taken other vices. He also 
become a race horse man. He was an apt pupil in learning, and by the time 
he was ready to open his gambling establishment, he had learned the in and 
out of all. While doing the round on State Street, he became interested in 
a beautiful malatta girl, who entertains in one of the clubs on State Street 
As soon as Nauyora saw her, he fell in love with her, and makes up his mind 
to win her for his mate if he could. While attending the races one day, he 
saw her, he ask his friend if he knew her, his friend answers “yes,” she was 
an acquaintance of his. Then he takes Nauyora by the arm and goes over to 
the lady, and presents him to her as Mr. James Smith, and Nauyora never 
left her side that evening and spent his money on her right and left which 
even surprised his friends, and the lady was willing to let his stay at her side 
as long as he had money to spend. And from that day on, Nauyora was 
constantly by her side, and always bringing her beautiful presents of some 
kind, until at last he had completely won her over, and a tlast he found cour- 
age to ask her to be his wife. He then tells her of his wonderful home across 
the waters, his father’s home in Africa. Then he shows her some of his 
rarest of jewels and tells her of the secret chamber, being full of these same 
stones. And tells her he has enough with him to keep her and himself all 
their life, if she marries him. 


PRELUDE. 


IX 


“If you marry me,” says Nauyora, “I will take you over and let you see 
this chamber.” He told her that, just to get her to marry him, for he knew 
his father would keep his word, if he went back, and he had no idea of going 
back, while his father lived, but he will make her think he can go back any 
time. So, she told him she would marry him, and they married about the 
time the gambling establishment was completed. He married her under the 
name of James Smith, and in a year from the time, a baby girl was born, and 
they christianed her Sola Smith. 

We will now jourifey back to Africa, and see what Kink Mokoloho and 
his son. Prince Rabba Rega are doing. Five years have brought a wonderful 
change to King Mokoloho’s dominion. Instead of seeing little huts of grass, 
and a large hut in the center like the rest of the natives villages. And like 
Kink Mokoloho’s village looked five years ago, when Dr. Livingston with his 
company of men came among them. There is a large beautiful, gray stone 
palace, and neat little cottages and some of the buildings were almost as large 
and as grand as the palace, which stood in the same place, where the large 
hut, (which looked like a haystack) had stood. The streets were all paved. 
The people wore clothes, and seeing them at the present time, you would 
never thought, they had lived a savage life. There was not a ruler in Europe, 
that could boast of a better ruled kingdom. All was owed to Dr. Livingston. 
He took extra pains with King Mokoloho and King Bechuana. King Bechu- 
ana’s dominion was next to King Mokoloho’s, At the time, when Dr. Liv- 
ingston entered their lives, the MoJt;oloho and the Bechuana were hostile. 
They had been engaged in several battles, but neither one conquered. And 
Dr, Livingston, was the means of bringing them together. He also taught 
King Bechuana. 

King Bechuana had two children, a son and a daughter. The 
names of King Bechuana’s two children were Mziga and Mata.) The Kings 
became friendly. They would exchange visits, and in that way the young 
people saw a great deal of each other. Dr. Livingston explained to King 
Mokoloho and King Bechuana the necessity of sending the young people to 
England, to school. At first, the fathers would not hear to it, but at last 
they gave in. And the young folks were gone five years, (four years for 
school, and one year for travelling. The boys together and the girls with a 
chaperon. While making the journey, Rabba Regga came across Nauyora in 
Chicago. Rabba Rega did not like the way his brother was living, and told 
him if he did not change his way of living, he would come to grief. Nauyora 
had not as yet met his lady love, but in a few months, he did. Soon after, 
the boys and girls were again in their African homes, well educated African 
Princes and Princesses. And in a few months, Prince Rabba Rega and Prin- 
cess Mata, were united in marriage, and at the same time. Prince Mziga too, 
takes to himself a wife, the daughter of his father’s brother. And in a years 
time, each couple was blessed with a child. Prince Rabba Reg^ a son, and 
Mziga a girl. The boy was christened and given the name M’Teara, and the 
girl was christened and given the name Vgonda. 



The Hidden Treasure 

of 

Mokoloho. 


/ 




r 


l • V 

I fi /, V * \ * 

•* ■ 

rv-'.A/ 

v 

‘ ,‘;;- 
f, " . ‘ 

-‘J 

§ 

^ ( 


f 


♦ 


I 


V 











» 


I 




i 


t 

I 


r 




I 


I 


. ✓ 


t 


I 


« 







( 

^4 


H 


4 


I 


« 


• ^ 

< « 


r . 






/ 


I • 


'• >‘ 1 .- 


* 




p i 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


CHAPTER 1. 

Fifteen years have passed. During the passing of the fifteen years, Dr. 
Livingston, King Mokoloho and King Bechuana have long since died. King 
Rabba Rega now reigns over Mokoloho. His wife Mata has been dead some 
years and all he has left of those who are near and dear to him are his son, 
Prince M’Teara and his niece Queen Vgonda. Queen Vgonda’s father died 
a few years after he became King of Bechuana, and his wife soon followed 
him to the world beyond. Before Queen Vgonda’s mother’s death, she made 
King Rabba Rega promise her he would take her child and raise her as if 
she were his own. And hoped after his son and her daughter had grown 
they would love and marry, thus uniting the kingdoms, which subject the two 
families had often talked on. 

King Rabba Rega promised her that he would do all he could to bring 
the marriage about. After the death of the Queen (Queen Vgonda’s mother, 
he looks after the little Queen’s affairs. He becomes the ruler of Bechuana 
and the little Queen’s guardian until she becomes of age, and he took her 
to his palace and brought her up with his son M’Teara. 

After Dr. Livingston’s death, H. Stanley became his successor. He, like 
Dr. Livingston, explored the said parts. Then went back to England and 
made his report. And said: “I was told that there was a hidden chamber of 
treasures there.’’ 

“Did your informer tell you in which of the two dominions this wonder- 
ful wealth is hidden?’’ asked the ruler of England. 

“Yes,’’ answered Stanley. “He said this wonderful chamber is in the 
dominion of Mokoloho.’’ The ruler of England then made up his mind that 

Mokoloho should be his. An Arabian Sultan by the name of Said Bargash 

also heard of the hidden treasure and coveted it. And his intentions were to 
have the dominion of Mokoloho, too. King Rabba Rega was in ignoiance 
of me suspects, his time was taken up ruling the two dominions, 
and looking after the welfare of his two royal children. At times his thoughts 
would be of his brother. Those thoughts were always sad ones. King Rabba 
Rega would of had his brother with him long, ago, had it not been for the 
promise he had made his father. That promise was, after his father’s death, 
he would not let Nauyora come back. “I would not have you to make this 

promise,’’ said his father, “I know no good will come by letting him come 

back. If he comes to you with all kinds of promises, do not let him or his 
children into your home. I know, my son, if you let him or his into this 
city, you and yours will come to grief. It is known in our family legend, 
that the one that is a traitor to his family or people, because the viel one’s 
play toy. That is why I wanted him put to death, so there would be no more 
of him. That was the way my forefathers treated a traitor. So beware of 
your brother and his children, my son, and promise me that you will not 
bring him here after I’m gone. If he is in need, help him, give him as much 
from the secret chamber as you wish and do anything that is in your power 
for him, but never let him enter Mokoloho. Promise.’’ And he promised. 

“If you break your promise, misfortune will come to you and yours.’’ 

And fihat is one reason why King Rabba Rega did not send for his 
brother after his father’s death. But he loved his brother so well, he himself 


2 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO.- 


wab willing to look over the wrong his brother had done. And when there was 
a sad faraway look on his noble face, you may rest assured he is thinking 
of his brother, Nauyora. He could not forget the life his brother was living. 
Could his father’s last words to him be true? He hoped not, but his doubt 
is for Nauyora. He did not tell his father of his visit to Nauyora. For he 
would had to tell his father how he found his brother living. And he did 
not want to cause his father more pain than necessary. For he knew, deep 
down in his father’s heart he still loved Nauyora. Time went on. King 
M’Teara and Queen Vgonda were maturing to manhood and womanhood. 
King Rabba Rega had made arrangements to send them to England to 
school. And the two were packing to go. King Rabba Rega sent word to 
each, saying he would like to have a few words with them before they de- 
parted. Prince M’Teara was the first to put in appearance. After his father 
greets him, he said, “M’Teara, I wish to have a few words with you before 
you go. The subject of our conversation will be on your and Vgonda’s 
future. It has been her parents, your mother’s and my wish, that you two 
would marry and join the two kingdoms into one!’’ 

Prince M’Teara knew what his father was going to say, when his father 
sent the word that he wanted to see him before going. It is one subject he 
did not care to talk on. So he said to his father, (with his face turned away) 
“Father, I am sure I do not love Vgonda as to want her as my wife.’’ King 
Rabba Rega looked at his son for a moment, then patted him on the shoulder 
and said, “Of course, I do not wish you to marry without love. Vgonda has 
such a sweet disposition that in time you will learn to love her dearly. You 
may search the world over and you will never find a better girl than her for 
a lifetime mate. When I married your mother, I did not at first have the 
fiery, passionate love that a youth has in his first love. My love for her was 
the love of a brother and a friend. To obey my parents wish, I married her. 
and was glad that I did, for no better woman lived. I found my 
love for her in later years. As the time went one, my love for her grew. 
So you see, my son, I did not lose anything by obeying my parents, for I 
found out that my parents knew what was best for me. I’m saying to you 
what my parents said to me, when I, like you, was about to start to finish my 
education and travel and see Dhe world and be in the society of other women. 

I was glad that they talked with me on the subject. For it kept me in mind 
of my duty to my parents and to my people.’’ 

After the father was through talking, the son said, “Yes, father, what- 
ever you think is right for me to do. I will do. I feel towards Vgonda as 
you did with my mother. I will do with you as you did with your parents. 
I will marry Vgonda when I return, providing she is willing after returning 
from school and abroad.’’ Then Prince M’Teara embraces his father, and 
then made his departure, to be gone five years from his home. A few 
minutes after Prince M’Teara left his father’s presence. Queen Vgonda was 
before her uncle, to bid him good-bye, and to hear what he had to say to 
her. King Rabba Rega’s conversation with her wms the same as he had 
with her cousin. Prince M’Teara. Only Queen Vgonda acknowledged (in 
a shy modest way) that she did love Prince M’Teara, but did not wish him 
to marry her unless he loved her. Said she, “I do not believe in marriage 
without love. If he meet someone and love them, uncle, do not force the 
marriage with me upon him!” 

“We will not talk any more on the subject now, we will finish it after 
you return.” 

“Yes, uncle, I’m sure that M’Teara, you and I will come to an under- 
standing by then.’^ 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OE MOKOLOHO. 


3 


King Rabba Rega then took his niece in his arms and gave her a father- 
ly kiss and sent her from him with her chaperon, to be gone five years. 

Fours years had passed since Prince M’Teara and Queen Vgoiida bid 
father and uncle good-bye. The young prince and queen had finished their 
sc'hooPng and was finishing up their educalion by traveling. In the mean- 
time, king Rabba Rega received a letter from his brother. Nauyora, telling 
him that his wife had died and himself in prison, aird his child Sola was 
without home or ])rotectioir. And telling him to show his brotherly love 
by taking his beautiful daughter to his home. King Rabba Rega potidere:! 
over the letter some time and again thought of his father’s last words to 
him, warning hinr not to have Nauyora or his children back. And if he did, 
calamity would come to his home. He believed too, it would happen. But 
what could he do? There was his only brother, begging for him to do just 
cue little favor in taking his daughter to the home where she ought to be. 
and he hesitating to have her. At last he made up his mind to let her come, 
let come what may. King Rabba Rega answered his brother’s letter and 
saying how sorry he was to hear of his misfortune, and also said, “if there 
was anything he could do in money matters, let him know.” Then told him of 
his son and that his son \vas en route to Chicago, and said, “if you will send 
me your daughter’s address, I will forward it to my son, and he will bring 
her home with him, and this shall be her home always.’’ 

V: si: 4: ;(: * 

We left Nauyora or John Smith, which we will now call him, with his 
new gambling establishment, happily married, and his new born daughter. 
As the years went by, we will look into them. John Smith’s love for his 
beaut fiil wife I 'ad not c hanged. There were several tender spots left in his 
vicked heart. That was tlte love for his wife, and daughter. If his wife did 
net love him, he never knew it. She did not love him, he had taken her from 
the life she lived and placed her in luxury. Shie was considered the most 
beautiful and the swellest dressed negress on the south side of Chicago. It was 
through her that her husband (John Smith), was able to enter society. Al- 
tboup:h Smith’s gambling house was attended by the swellest of the race, 
it had the name of being a questionable establishment. There were a great 
deal of whispering about th-e shady doings there. So as the years wemt by, 
the whispering became murmurs, and from murmuring to yells, and John 
Smith richer. His wife would come to him with tears in her eves, begging 
him to sell out or close the place, and said, “I’m so tired of having your do- 
ings thrown in my face. And besides, it will hurt our child when she enteis 
society. I’m i)lanning for her to make a grand entrance in society and I 
will do it too if you do not disgrace us with your business. You have monay 
enough for us to live in splendor all our lives and then be able to settle a 
fortune on Sola.’’ 

“Fvery word you say is true, my dear.’’ said Smith. “I just can’t stop 
now, if I did I would go mad. Gambling is the onliest pleasure I take in life. 
When away from the table. I’m miserable. The fact is. I’ve lived this life 
too long and I’m completely wrapped up in it. So you can see I can not give 
it up. Just you run along and spend the money, while I make it! You do 
not know the pleasure it gives me to see you spending it, and know by hav- 
ing it to spend makes you happy. I’m making it my life’s duty to make you 
and our child happy.” 

That was as near as John Smith’s wife could draw him from the life 
he lead. By this time he was thoroughly bad. Smith’s peoi)le 
who frequented his place, found that his games were not straight. He was 
wise enough to let some of his guests make large winnings, then have some 


4 


THTl HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


of his accomplices to waylay the ones who had won and rob them of the 
winnings and bring them back to him. He would give them thieir share, the 
rest he would keep. He also had beautiful women in his place to help draw 
patronage. (He also ‘harbored thieves and murderers, and some of the 
crimes were his doings.) As years went by, during Smith’s criminal life he 
ran across Philip Gordon. Not the Philip Gorden of old, but the Plylip 
Gordon of the time. He was all out and down, and a pitiful looking sight 
to see. He begged ihim onced victim to forgive him for the wrongs he did 
him and said, “my companions forced me to let them do you. So, what could 
I have done but let them have their way?’’ 

Nauyora or Smith knew he lied, but pretended to Gorden that he be- 
lieved him. For, his object was to get Gordon to his place and have re- 
venge on him. He then said to Gordon, “Why ard you in this condition I 
When I last saw you, you was loaded with wealth to keep fifty men a life 
time, and then have some to leave to their kin.’’ 

“It was like this.’’ said Gordon (hanging down his head sheepishly), 
“after my companions did you and your man, they waited until we got clear 
of your country and out at sea, then conspired against me. Sent me adrift 
with one small bag of the stolen wealth and enough to eat to keep me a 
week and a jug of water to last as long. But lucky a passengership happened 
along and took me in. It was on its way to this country and landed me hero, 
and Pve been ibiere in this country ever since.’’ 

Some of Philip Gordon’s story was true, and some of it was not. After 
ho had the men to knock Nauyora and Nauyora’s man senseless, they rowed 
away as fast as possible. By daybreak they were miles away from King 
Mokoloho’s dominion, and in an hour would be able to charter a steamer to 
take them from the country. They were successful in getting a steamer 
and was out in deep sea when a thought entered Philip Gordon’s mind, why 
not keep it all, and he made up his mind to keep it all. When t'ho men 
asked for their share, he put them off, saying ‘I will divide when we reach 
the first port.’’ The men became suspicious of him and watched him, and 
found that they were right in their suspicions. In watching him, they saw 
him hiding the sacks with the riches under the fiooring in his state room. 
That made them angry and they put him off the steamer. So you see the 
latter part of Philip Gordon’s story was true. “Pm sory for you,’’ lied 
Nauyora. (I will call him Nauyora while he is in Philip Gordon’s company, 
for Gorden does not know that he has changed his name.) “Come home 
with me and I will see what I can do for you!’’ And Philip Gorden went 
with Nauyora to his doom. For he was .seen no more in life. A few days 
after his meeting with Nauyora or John Smith hi's body was found with 
a knife wound in it many blocks from the Smith’s fashionable gambling 
house. The mystery of his death was never solved. If one could have seen 
the face of Nauyora while he read of the finding of the body, you would 
see a triumph and satisfied look and hear him mutter, “one more and then 
I will be contented.’’ That one more was his brother Rabba Rega. For 
Nauyora still intends to carry out his oath of revenge on his brother. As 
time went on. Smith’s business fiourished and more of his preys were fieeced. 
At last they took courage and reported their playing at the Smith’s place, 
and if the.y won thpy would be allowed to leave the gambling house with it. 
but would not get but a couple blocks away before they were held up and 
robbed. The police officials promised they would see after the matter. 
And in a few days several secret service men were detailed to look into 
Smith’s affairs. While doing it, they made startling discoveries and was con- 
vinced at the blindness of the law to let a man in the arm’s reach of the 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


5 


law carry on such doins^s under their nose. They weiit about the in- 
vestigating of the Smith’s affairs in such a way that Smith had the least 
idea that he was suspected. So one day when things were going smoothly, 
the climax came. Without warning, the vulture of the law prounced on his 
V gambling house. They did not get him then, he managed to get aAvav from 
the gambling house and to his home. He tells his wife of his misfortune. 
His daughter, Sola, had been out of school over a year and at the time was 
a. society belle, and had grown to be a very beautiful and an accomplished 
young lady. She liad many suitors for her hand in marriage, but none had 
found a way to her heart. Sola was beautiful like her mother, wicked and 
h'eartless like her father. She was also clever and ambitious. Looking in 
those beautiful, innocent eyes of her’s, you would think only inuo'^euce 
slumbered there. After John Smith (alias Nauyora told his wife and daugh- 
ter of his misfortune, they took what valuables they could carry and went 
with the husband and father in hiding. They had not gone many seconds 
when t(he officers were in their home and found that they were too late, for 
Smith had gone, but evidence showed that he had been there. The law 
took possession of all his and his family belonsfings, to be held until further 
notice. After Smith made his escane from the law, he left his wiCe and 
daughter with some friends, telling t'hiem he would try to spe them as often 
as possible, then he left the city. His wife took deathly sick a short time 
afterwards. She had been suffering from a weak heart for some time, and 
this sudden misfortune brought on the worst. A while after he had settled 
In another city, he received a telegram, saying, to return as soon as possible, 
for his wife is dying. And also said to disguise himself, for the officers are 
still on t'hie watch for him After Smith read the message, he then made 
ready to go to his wife. Wlhat cares he for the law when one of the beings he 
loves is dying, and he away from her side. To be with her in her last hours 
was all he wanted. Then, after that, let come what may. So he went. She was 
unconscious and sinking fast. His daughter was at her bedside weeping, he 
came in and stood on the other, then an officer stepped up to him and said, 
“John Smith, you are under arrest; I knew you would come back when you 
heard of your wife’s condition, that is why I avaited here for you.’^’ 

“I counted the cost.’’ says Smith. “You felloAvs will let me stay until 
she breathes her last, won’t you?” 

“I’m sorry. Smith, but I can not. You know, law is law. So you must 
come now!” And he went to jail and 'had his trial. They could not get 
enough evidence to convict him for murder. But for other crimes they found 
evidence enough when they raided his gambling house. He was sent to prison 
for a long term. The state seized all he possessed, for they proved it was 
■gotten unlawfully Just before he started to serve his sentence, he sent the 
letter which his brother received, begging his brother to take his daughter, 
;Sola. While in jail he studied out his plans for the future. He knew that 
his brother was ignorant of his hatred for him. He also knew his brother 
wouP anything that Avas in his poAver for him, and knoAv his brother still 
lovp't him. On those assurances he Avorkod out his plans. Later he re^'eived a 
letter from his brother, saying his son M’Teara would come for his daughter. 
When John Smith (alias Nauyora) received the letter, he Avas overjoyed 
and was sure then, that his plans would Avork in his favor. After he entered 
the state’s prison, his daughter Sola made her first visit. During that visit 
he told her of his writing to his brother and of the results of the Avriting of 
the letter. Sola, like him, Avas overjoyed in hearing the good news. Then 
said Nauyora to her: “Sola, I have something I Avish you would do for me 
after you are established in your uncle’s home. I want you to intercede in my 
coming home too. You are beautiful and winning. Sola, I want you to draw 


6 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OE MOKOLOHO. 


this son of my brother’s into marriage with you. Then secretly get him and 
his father out of the way. You then will be queen of Mokoloho. Before 
you put your uncle out of the way, I want you to have him to announce my 
coming home to all Mokoloho. By that time I will be free to come. My 
friends from the outside are planning to help me escape.” 

‘‘Why do you hate your brother and your nephew, father?” asked Sola. 
‘‘I thought all along that you thought a great deal of your brother.” 

Nauyora had not told his wife and daughter how he came to leave home, 
his hate for his brother or of his oath of vengence. 

‘‘I have never told you of my early life, my child, but I will now tell 
you all. Then you will understand why I wish my brother and his son dead.” 

Then he told her all that is already known. Tells her of the family 
legends and saying, ‘‘If it were not for the legends, my brother might let 
me return. For I. come of a superstitious tribe; and if once you betray your 
family they say the Evil one takes possession of you; and I guess they are 
right, for it seems the evil one has got me.” Nauyora says those last words 
to himself more than to his daughter. Then he tells her of the secret cham- 
ber and of. the wealth that is in it and gives her maps of the cave and the 
secret chamber. After he tells her his story, he then asks her did she not 
blame him for wanting vengence of his brother and his family, and she 
answers and says, ‘‘I do not blame you, father, for wanting vengence, for 
you have been badly treated. You can count on my help, I will make them 
pay dearly for what you have suffered, and will reinstate you in your home 
where you rightly belong in spite of their old foolish legends. If your 
father had treated you like a father should, you would not have turned 
traitor to your people. So w'hen you escape from here, keep me posted as 
to your whereabouts, and I assure you I will have you there in a little 
while, reigning as king over your people and King Rabba Rega and Prince 
M’Teara will be only a memory.” And in a little while. Sola kisses her 
father and tells him she will come to see him and bid him farewell before 
she left). And in a few weeks from the time she came to see him and bid 
him good-bye until they meet again in Africa. Father and daughter em- 
brace each other for the last time in life. They planning to meet in Africa; 
fate planning otherwise. 


The hidden TREASUkE OF MOKOLOHO. 


7 


f 


CHAPTER 2. 

Soon after Sola Igft, Nauyora takes out the last letter he received from 
his brother and reads it over, and goes over the part several times where it 
read, “You may rest easy about your daughter,” and saying “1 will receive 
her as my daughter and make her feel as one.” And Nauyora gives a hearty 
laugh over those words and see in his mind’s eyes how Sola was to repay his 
brother after she enters 'hiis home. Nauyora is surprised to find that his 
plans were working better than he thought as far as his brother was con- 
cerned; all that was left for him to do was to make his escape. Little did 
he think that his career was about to be ended. For wihile making his escape 
he was shot and killed instantly and that ended the life of Nauyora, the 
second son of king Mokoloho, who was driven from his fathers kingdom 
twenty years before, and all the inheritance he left to his daughter was the 
name of a convict’s daughter, his evil nature. And in return for those his 
daughter. Sola Smith, was to carry out his oath of vengence. For, in that 
woman 'he planted the seed of evil, and in time the seed will sprout and 
grow. 

****♦****♦♦ 

Prince M’Teara received his father’s letter, telling him to go to Chicago 
for his cousin, Princess Sola, and bring her home with him and also send 
the address his brother Nauyora had sent to him. Prince M’Teara went to 
Chicago for his cousin and was shocked to find her entertaining in a cabaret 
on State Street. Yes! Sola, the belle of society a few months ago, had 
come to that and you could imagine her feeling when meeting her old 
friends. They snubbed her, even her suitors, who had once vowed everlast- 
ing love to her, acted differently. When away from the society world, they 
would meet her and were friendly enough, but when with the society people 
and thiey happen to meet her, would snub her completely. There was pity 
due Sola, for her father’s sins were not hers. But she had to bear them. 
She had no money. The State took all her father had. She 
did not know how to work, for she did not have it to do. At school 
she was not taught domestic science, for her parents said she need not have 
any. They wanted her to have the teachings of a lady, how to entertain, 
etc. Her outdoor games were tennis, basket ball and fencing. She won the 
reputation of being the best swordswoman in hier class. She had a good 
voice and danced well and she was proud to think she had talent. So she 
makes the most of it and becomes an entertainer in the cabaret, where her 
cousin. Prince M’Teara, found her and she noticed the shocked and painful 
look in his face for seeing her in such a place, and for once she conceived 
a reproach for 'her father for the cause of her being there. And he, the son 
of a king, would fall so low to allow himself to become a convict. She soon 
dismissed those gloomy thoughts from her mind and greeted her cousin 
with one of her bewitching smiles, saying, “This is my dear cousin M’Teara 
from far across the water, is it not.” He answers (taking her hand and 
laughingly) says, “Yes, I’m your savage cousin, are you not afraid of me? 
Aren’t you afraid that I might devour you like the cannibals do over at my 
home?” “No, I’m not afraid,” says Sola with a smile. “You must remember, 


8 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


my father is a savage like you and I’m not afraid of him. I think he is one 
of the best daddies in the world, even if he does wear the stripes running 
the wrong way.” Sola said those words in a joking way. But who knows 
what she was thinking while she was saying them. Sola and her cousin 
went trom one joke to another until they were on the best of terms. It 
was Sola’s intention to get in her cousin’s graces. And she was successful, 
Tlieie was one more gift she had, the gift of fascinating, and she knew how to 
make the most of that gift. An’d she was using it on her cousin M’Teara. 
And every moment he spends in her presence, he becomes more under her 
spell. Sola was proud to find him so easy. ^ And in her mind 
she sees herself robed in a court gown, with a ‘jewel crown on her 
head, and loaded down with other priceless jewels. She intends to come 
back to Chicago and enter society again but not as Sola Smith, the gambler’s 
daughter, but as “Queen Sola,” Queen of the mighty Mokoloho dominion, 
and those that snu-bbed her will be glad to kneel and do homage to her. 
Those were the thoughts that ran through Sola’s mind while she was draw- 
ing her cousin, Prince M’Teara, on. 

* So while still out at sea, but nearing home. Prince M’Teara did not 
seem so cheerful. The reason of Prince M’Teara’s cheerlessness. He found 
himself desperately in love with hiis cousin Sola. And is thinking of his 
half promise to his father in regards of the marriage to his cousin Vgonda. 
And he was just making up his mind to take Sola in his confidence and tell 
her all. Sola says to M’Teara with one of those enchanting smiles she kenw 
how to assume, “A penny for your thought, dear cousin, I know they must 
be gloomy ones, for your face shows it. Your face should be all brightness, 
now that you are nearing home and see the dear folks you bad not seen for 
years.” “Yes, you are right, my face should express the look of happiness. 
And I would be happy if it were not for one thing, and that is the half 
promise I made my father in regards to my future.” He then tells Sola of 
the marriage his father wishes to bring with his cousin Vgonda. He 
then describes his cousin Vgonda to her and says: “If she makes the woman 
that I think she will make, she will be a beauty; she is not very beautiful in 
looks, but has a beautiful disposition. And Sola hearing this, hates Vgonda al- 
ready and feels that in Vgonda she will have a dangerous rival. She then says: 
“You have everything to be glad to reach home for. Prom the description 
you give of your cousin she must be very desirable. And you ought to 
feel yourself a lucky man for being able to secure a real prize so cheap. 
So cheer up and be happy and rejoice with me, for I am rejoicing to think 
I am on the way to the land of my father’s, and see the place which he once 
called home and see my dear uncle I heard father talk so much of and, 
see this dear Vgonda, my future cousin-in-law.” (As Sola says 
those last words, she looks at her cousin with that fascinating look she al- 
ways gives him, which she knew would give his heart the double beat. She 
knew she had her cousin completely won over by then). Prince M’Teara 
looks at her with that passionate love look (the look that all men give the 
siren who have them completely in her toils). He says not a word but keeps 
I his eyes on her as if enchanted. But Sola goes on in that sweet enchanting 
voice she knew how to assume for such an occasion and says: “We are 
having a lovely voyage over” and sight and says, “I will never forget it. 
For Prince M’Teara in America and on the high seas will not be the same 
Prince M’Teara to his poor cousin Sola, when he reaches his father’s king- 
dom. But the hardest part,” says Sola, trying to make her voice sound like 
in tears, “is that I will be denied your society once in a while. For you 
must do as your father wishes and consent to marry Vgonda, even though it 
will break my heart to see you do it.” After saying the latter words, she 


THE HIDDBK treasure OF MOKOLOHO. 


9 


drops her head in her hands and sobs. M’Teara could not stand that, so he 
goes up to Sola and takes her in his arms and says in a faltering voice: 
“Dearest, do you mean by those words that you care so much for me you 
like not to see me the husband of another? Is it because you love me? 
I’ve loved you, Sola dear, since my eyes first beheld you, and I vowed then 
and there I would make you my wife and Princess if you would have me. 
I had made up my mind to ask you to be my wife before we reached home, 
and while you was showing me the difference in our stations I was trying 
to plan a way to tell you of my love, and when you said those words, saying 
it would break your heart to see Vgonda my wife, I would not hesitate any 
longer in putting my fate in your hands. Will your answer be yes or no?’’ 
And you may rest assured that Sola’s answer was “Yes,” and Prince M’Teara 
sealed the answer with a kiss and saying, “I will tell my father as soon as 
we reach home, I do not think he will be so awful angry about it when I tell 
him my future wife is the daughter of his only brother.” “Did your father 
ever tell you why my father left home?” asked Sola. “He said something 
to me about your father wanting to see the world and I took it for granted 
that is why he left.” Sola felt overjoyed and a look of triumph come over 
her face, for she knew if her uncle had not told his son as yet, though he 
would tell him later why her father left home. And when she would see her 
uncle she would beg him not to tell M’Teara. King Rabba Rega had not 
told his son M’Teara of Nauyora’s treachery to his family. He just could 
not make up his mind to tell his son. 

Even after Prince M’Teara told Sola so bravely how he would tell his 
father of his love for her, and she is the one he will have for his wife and 
no other. As he neared home his resolve begins to break. For that was one 
of' the things he hated most to do, and that was to disobey his father’s wish. 
At last Prince M’Teara and Sola Smith reached their destination. King 
Raba Rega meets them when they made their arrival with the pomp due 
to a Prince and Princess. For he had heralded it among his people that 
his son was expected home at any time and was to bring with him his niece. 
Princess Sola. And he also had a grand reception at the palace in honor 
of their homecoming. Vgonda came with her uncle to meet them, but how 
shocking she looked to M’Teara, for she was in her native costume 
and she looked quite savage. M’Teara looked at her with much dis- 
gust; and poor Vgonda looked at M’Teara and saw the look of disgust. 
She would not have minded. But before this beautiful fine looking 
lady at his side. And with her looking with scorn and disgust, 
certainly did make poor Vgonda feel humiliated. King Rabba Rega told his 
niece, “Queen Vgonda,” of what time he had expected his son home. She 
herself had just returned home from school and abroad, and she looked 
every day for her cousin to make his appearance. Her uncle had also told 
of his other niece who was to come over with his son. And saying “My 
dear Vgonda, I’m hoping you and Sola will be the best of friends.” 

And so had Queen Vgonda hoped for that. As far as herself was con- 
cerned, she intended to be one of Sola’s best friends. And she would do 
what her day dreams had shown her. She and her cousin Sola would make 
the best of companions. She was anxious for th« day when cousin M’Teara 
and cousin Sola arrived. She longed for that day to come. And when her 
uncle came to her and told her to get ready to go with him to meet cousin 
Sola and M’Teara, she was overjoyed and rushed from the room to make 
ready to meet them. She threw aside the beautiful gown and her wonderful 
jewels she wore and donned that savage costume, hoping it would make 
M’Teara feel more at home. When she and M’Teara were children, they 


10 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


would wear those costumes and play they were living in the old way like 
their grandfathers lived before Dr. Livingston came among them and 
taught them the white man’s creed. When she reappeared before her uncle 
in the costume, he was surprised and asked why she had put those things 
on? and says, “are you going out of your mind or are you playing a joke?’’ 
“I’m not playing a joke or out of my mind either, uncle. I promised M’Teara 
I would be dressed like this when he returned home, providing I arrived 
home first. And, if he arrived first he was to do likewise. So you see I’m 
keeping my compact. Don’t you remember, we three had a hearty laugh over 
it?’’ Then king Rabba Rega says, “I do remember, and I wonder if M’Teara 
will.’’ They gave another hearty laugh. “But you must remember Sola will 
be with him, and suppose he will forget to tell her of the scene we prepared 
for M’Teara’s home coming. If he has not told her, she will be frightened 
at seeing you.’’ “I hardly think so, uncle,’’ says Queen Vgonda. “You must 
remember, uncle, that she too is the granddaughter of a once savage king. 
And remember, the provision of our law is when we go to war, we lay 
down the white man’s creed there and fight and dress in our savage way. 
That is when we fight another savage tribe. But if fighting a white man, we 
fight the white man’s way. We do not know, uncle, how soon we might be 
called out to fight, so you see it is best to don them once in a while to remind 
me that Tm not thoroughly ci^^ilized.’’ Her uncle smiles and says, “I guess 
you right. Miss Savage, so come along.’’ And that is how Queen Vgonda 
becomes to wear that savage outfit. And standing humiliated before the dis- 
gusting eyes of Prince M’Teara and haughtily scornful eyes of Princess Sola. 


THE hidden treasure OP MOKOLOHO. 


11 


CHAPTER 3. 

Miss Sola was not frightened as king Rabba Rega thought she might be, 
for she had often heard her father describe his native dress. In fact, her 
father had told her many times of how his people lived at home. When her 
eyes hist beheld, queen Vgonda in that particular outht, she was surprised. 
For her father had told her that his people had become civilized. King Rabba 
Rega saw the embarrassed condition of all three and came to the rescue. And 
reminds M’Teara of queen Vgonda and his parting words, as how the hrst 
was to dress when he or she returned home to greet the other. “So you see, 
my son,” says King Rabba Rega,” she was the hrst to return and she has kept 
her promise in regards of her greeting you on your return. Vgonda and I were 
in hopes that you would be glad, and that you would have told Sola about it, 
so she would not be frightened at seeing her.” “No, uncle,” says Princess 
Sola, “I’m not frightened, I’ve often heard father speak of how hiis people 
use to dress, but I was surprised to see one dressed like dear cousin Vgonda 
to-day. I suppose M’Teara had forgotten to tell me of Vgonda and his 
promise, how they were to meet again. As far as I’m concerned in the 
matter, I’m proud to see her dressed in that manner. In seeing her, 
makes me proud to think that my forefathers and mothers dressed in these 
clothing.” Then she goes up to Vgonda, takes her hand and kisses her, 
saying, “And this is our dear Vgonda I have heard M’Teara talk so much 
about. I’m more than glad to meet you, dear Vgonda. I hope we will be 
the best of friends.” “I’m sure he will,” says queen Vgonda (and she 
ment it.) But Princess Sola did not mean what she said, for, while saying 
those sweet words to innocent Queen Vgonda, was making up her mind to 
make this young lady’s life as miserable as possible. Prince M’Teara em- 
braces his father and greets Queen Vgonda coldly, and trying to make up his 
mind to tell his father of Princess Sola and his engagement. He imagines 
he could never make Queen Vgonda his wife and is hoping she noes not care 
for him enough to want to be his wife. After King Rabba Rega embraces 
his son he then turns to Princess Sola, saying: “I welcome home my child. 
I will endeavor to make you feel as happy here as you were in America. 
And I’m going to be father and mother to you in one. This is one of the 
happiest day’s of my life in welcoming my brother’s daughter home.” He 
then takes Queen Vgonda and Princess Sola by the hands and says. “I want 
you two to be like sisters, although you are both my nieces by blood. You 
are as near to me as if you were my daughters, for I’m taking your father’s 
places.” He then takes each in his arms and kisses them. The one a true, 
innocent maid, the other the form of a maid, but a serpent at heart. 

And that is the way he opened his eden to the serpent, in the form of 
his brother’s child. Prince M’Teara had been home some time, and he had 
not as yet told his father of his love for Princess Sola. Try as he could, he 
could not tell his father or even talk on the subject of his future. When in 
Ms father’s company, he was restless and avoided him as much as 
Iiossible, fearing his father would talk on the subject of his marriage to 
Queen Vgonda. King Rabba Rega noticed it but said nothing. But his 
heart is heavy, for he can see, by watching his son and his niece Sola, how 


12 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOIOHO. 


things stood. He had made up his mind not to approach the subject until 
his son should bring the subject about. So he made up his mind to wait. 
There was another with a sad heart, and that other was Queen Vgonda. Try 
as she would, she could not like Princess Sola. It seemed to her that her 
cousin Sola was playing a part. She saw her cousin M’Teara’s eyes, the look 
of infatuation he conceived for Sola. He hardly noticed her now, his play- 
mate of old. So there are two heavy hearts in the palace. Time went on. 

Sola Smith was established in her new home. She lost no time in starting 
to consumate her father’s plans. She, ignorant of his death, sends him 
a letter after her arrival, but had not received an answer. She also sent 
a letter to the people she had lived with in America, but had not as yet 
received an answer. 

One of the first things she did after she was settled in her new home 
was to take out the map her father had given her and study it, so as to 
find out the location of the cave where the secret wealth lay hidden. And 
then make friends with the guards if there were guards still there. Her 
father told her it was best to get friendly with the guards who 

guarded at night. For he was sure she would have better suc- 

cess in fiinding out about the secret cave and its chambers. And then at night, 
no one would be likely to see her. “For you see,” says her 
father, “your uncle has not forgotten what I did, above all things, my child, 
keep in his good graces.” So at times she would tell her uncle and her 
cousins at diffeient evenings that she was going for a stroll before retiring 
for the night. In that way she managed to get away and stroll to where the 
map showed the cave was situated. And sure enough she saw a man 
there, who looked like a guard. She went up to him and smiles sweetly. 
And the guard, whose name was Nera, could not do anything but smile back. 
He could not believe his eyes, seeing a beautiful vision of loveliness standing 
before him and smiling at him. He knew her and had watched her from 
afar; and had admired her and had vowed if he could be of any service to 
her he would be, even if he lost his life in doing so. For that humble guard 
loved his king’s niece. And again fate had put another lucky card in the 
hand of Princess Sola. Sola thought at first that the guard would be suspici- 
ous of hier, and was surprised to see how readily he returned her smile, and 
she saw at once that he would be easily won over. So she flatters him and 
draws him on like she did Prince M’Teara, until the poor fellow was so 
much in love with her that he was willing to do her bidding. She then says 
to him, “What are you guarding so carefully, Nera.” As first he would 
not tell her. She coaxed and pleaded so until at last he said, “I’m guarding 
precious stones and gold. Some of the stones are like those that hang around 
your neck, so Pm told.” “So you mean to tell me you are guarding things 
you have never seen?” says Sola. “Yes,” says Nera, “I’m guarding things 
I’ve never seen. You must remember, I’m in the service of my king, and his 
secrets are not by business. I’m guarding things I have never seen.” “But 
you could go in to see them if you wish to, can’t you?” says Sola. “For I’m 
sure no one comes near here at night, and if you wish to see for yourself, 
no one would know you saw them. Listen: I too heard of those precious 
stones and gold hidden in a cave, and I thought how much fun it would be 
for me to go and see for myself. So you see that is the reason why I am 
here, but cannot go any farther, for you will not allow me to. It will be 
so much fun for you and I to go in and see them. Will you take me to see 
them?” “I would like to take you to see them,” said Nera, “but, I dare not. 
I’m under an oath to my king and if I break the oath I will be severely 
punished.” “No one need ever know, this will be our secret, Nera.” (He 
ponders awhile before answering) then said: “I will not be able to let you 


THB HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOIOHO. 


13 


see them to-night, but will let you see them in a few nights from now.” She 
had to be contended at that. She had already succeeded, better than she 
thought. But she was so anxious to see inside of the cave and to 
see the rooms that held the great wealth that her father talked so much 
about. She was not so anxious to see the jewels as she was to find the 
way that led to the secret chamber. For that is what she wished to find 
out most. In the meantime, king Rabba Rega was making preparations for 
a grand reception, which was to be in honor of his son and nieces. He pre- 
pared to make it a grand affair, for he sent out invitations to all the royal 
families far and near. One of the invited guests was the Sultan Said 
Bargash. The sultan felt highly honored in being the guest of the mighty 
King Rabba Rega. 


14 


run HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


CHAPTER 4. 

Sultan Said Bargash had always regarded the Mokoloho as enemies. 
For years ago the reigning Sultan and king, who at that time was called 
Chief Mokoloho, were enemies. They had been engaged in several 
battles. .The Sultan had heard of the civilizing of the Mokoloho, but did not 
give much credit. The invitation would enable him to go and find out. And 
then his intentions were at the first opportunity, to overthrow the king (Rabba 
Rega), and take his kingdom, for he had also heard that there were wealth 

hidden in King Rabba Rega’s dominion. And he had been waiting and 

watching for the first opportunity to present itself, then he would take a 
chance for the dominion of Mokoloho, So to the reception he made up the 
mind to go. 

The night of the reception came, there was a grand display of beautiful 
gowns and wonderful jewels, the decorations in the reception room of the 
palace all hairaonized with the beautiful gowned women and the well groom- 
ed men. And leeing the stately King Rabba Rega and Prince M’Teara do- 
ing honors of hosts, you would not have believed that their fathers had 

roamed about these very grounds naked savages. Of all the beautiful 

ladies present, there were none as beautiful as Queen Vgonda and Princess 
Sola. M’Teara noticed for the first time how beautiful and stately his 
cousin. Queen Vgonda, was. And beautiful she was. Her face brown, ’tis 
true, but it was a perfect face and a form like Venus. Her gown was the 
finest of the finest, her jewels were priceless, and she looked every inch a 
queen, even if she were a black one. When Princess Sola saw how grand 
and stately Queen Vgonda looked, her jealousy knew no bounds. She knew 
that Queen Vgonda outrivaled her in beauty, although she, Princess 
Sola, was fair and Queen Vgonda was dark. When she first saw Queen Vgonda 
in that savage outfit, she really thought her homely. “But tonight how dif- 
ferent she looks,’’ thought Princess Sola. Every chance Princess Sola got 
she would say or do something to hurt Queen Vgonda’s feelings. She would 
call her an “African, or a schooled savage.’’ And everything she thought 
would make Queen Vgonda miserable she would do. Queen Vgonda would 
not give her the satisfaction of letting her see how she did hurt her feelings. 
For when Princess Sola would make those remarks she would pretend not to 
hear them. Princess Sola’s beauty was wonderous; her beauty was of fire 
and passion, while Queen Vgonda’s was the beauty of sweet innocence. The 
Sultan Said Bargash admired both the royal ladies. But Princess Sola was 
prefered. Her facinating beauty made his so infatuated with her that he 
could not keep away from her. And he spent nearly the entire evening by 
her side. 

Princess Sola soon discovered the Sultan’s admiration for her and she 
began to draw him in her net as she did Prince M’Teara and Nera. For she 
saw where she could also use the Sultan in her plans. She managed to keep 
the Sultan by her side most of the evening, and by the time for leaving. Said 
Bargash was more in love with her than ever. In fact more in love that he 
ever was in his life. And he vowed before many moons she would be installed- 
in his harem. And after he had returned to his home from the reception, 
his thoughts were still on Princess Sola. And when his favorite wife came to 
give him his usual caress he drove her from him, for in his mind he saw 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


15 


Princess Sola standing before him. How delicious she seemed. “Ah,” thought 
he, “I’ve never had a woman to set my blood afire like this beautiful Sola, I 
must have her at any cost.” “There are two objects I wish 

to possess, and that is the Dominion of Mokoloho and Princess 

Sola.” Then he makes a vow saying, “Before many moons, the two will be 
in my possession.” Prince M’Teara had noticed his cousin’s actions towards 
the Sultan and her actions had caused him to be a little suspicious. Probably 
he would not have noticed her actions at all if his father had not told him the 
night before the whole history of Sola’s father’s life from start to finish. And 
after his father, King Rabba Rega, had finished the story he went to bed. But 
Prince M’Teara did not sleep, he sat far into the morning thinking over the 
story. Going over it piece by piece. And at last he gave up the problem. 

But he was certain of one thing, and that was if he had known his uncle’s 

history sooner he would not have asked his cousin Sola to become his wife. 
For he felt in his heart that no daughter of a man like his uncle Nauyora 
could ever make a good wife, for Prince M’Teara was like all high minded 
men. The woman they take for a wife must be of spotless parents. He was 
glad that he 'had not told his father of his intentions of marrying his cousin 
Sola. He then made up his mind to wait awhile and watch, for he felt in his 
heart that Sola needed watching. That was the reason he was watching her 
on the night of the reception. So he watched her and saw her flirt with 
several others, but more particularly with the Sultan; and played with the Sul- 
tan as she had played with him. At last he was forced to realize the truth; that 
she. Princess Sola, was not the innocent maiden she pretended to be, yet, 
somehow he was not jealous as lovers generally are at seeing their promised 
wife making or being made over by another. He could not tell why he was 
not jealous. Instead of that jealous feeling, a glad feeling came. How 
glad, so very glad he was at heart that he had not hurt his father’s feelings 
by telling him he would not marry Vgonda, but would marry Sola. He knew 
it would have been painful for his father and himself. But now he was 
glad to think that, that painful scene will never take place. Then his thoughts 
wander from Sola to Vgonda and dwell there. He saw her in a different light 
than he had ever seen her before. And tonight, thought he, “is she not the 
lovliest being in the assembly rooms?” “and to think I prefered Sola, to her. 
Fathers are right, they know what is best for their children. I guess I’ve 
always loved Vgonda, but had not sense enough to realize it until she entered 
the room tonight looking so wondrous. It was then my heart 
gave such a bound; and it has been bounding ever since, when 

I am in her presence. With Sola I experienced a different sen- 

sation, when in her company something seems to fire my blood, I 
become light headed and I find myself saying things to her I don’t want to 
say. And when I am away from her I feel so different, I almost hate her 
at times. So I see now what it was; just passion I conceived for her. And 
there she is drawing the Sultan in the same snare she thinks she has me. 

There must be something back of it all. I wonder what it can be?” And if 

Prince M’Teara could only have seen what was back of it all he would 
have crushed that serpent then and there. The last of the guests at the 
reception had departed. The reception had been a great success. It was 
turning to the morning hour when the family bid each other good night 
or good morning to snatch a few hours sleep. Princess Sola goes to her 
room like the rest but did not to sleep. For she thought there could not be 
any better than that morning to visit Nera the guard. She felt sure he would 
let her visit the 'secret chamber. So putting her thoughts into action, she 
throws a long dark cape oveV her evening gown and slips away from the pal- 
ace. She keeps under cover as much as possible. She reaches the cave and saw 
the guard Nera standing there. She glides up to him softly and lays her 


16 


THU HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


hand on his shoulder and says, “Shall you and I enter (pointing to the cave) 
and see the beauties that little hole possesses?” Nera is very much sur- 
prised to see her at that time of the morning and says, “Princess, why is it 
you are out this time of the morning?” Princess Sola tells him of the re- 
ception at the palace, and says, “that is why I’m up so early or late as you 
might call it. I thought every body a*t the palace would be so tired they 
would sleep soundly; and I thought there could be no better time than now 
to enter the cave and see the secret chamber where the beautiful stones and 
gold lie,” “So come let us enter.’’ (But Nera hesitates! , She takes him by 
the hand and says. “Your King or anyone else need not know the difference.” 
And in the mean time she gives him one of those betwitching smiles. Whei* 
she gave that smile the uoor fellow was completely in that false girl’s net. a 
helpless victim Avho fould not help but do as she wished. 

So he leads her into the cave. They Avent on in silence, he leaving a stream 
of light as guidance for her from the pine torch. At last they reached the door 
that led to the chamber. There was the pr^^ss button that her father had 
shown her on the maps, and she saw that there had been no change made 
since her father’s and Gorden’s visits. How glad she was to find that out. 
She was so afraid that there had been a change since her father had been 
there and after he had drawn the map. She need not Avorry nor bother now 
as to hoAv to find the entrance after her uncle and cousin were dead. For she 
Avar, still intending to carry out her father’s plans. She then Avonders what 
she will do with this guard when she becomes Queen and rules. Of course, he 
would become troublesome to her. Well all he had to do was to look out if 
he become bothersome, (thus her thoughts ran). At last she said to Nera, 
“So. this is the entrance to the wonderful chamber, let us enter.” and Nera 
says, “Hoav can Ave enter?” and she ansAvers saving. “We might enter by 
pressing this button.” (She presses the button) then the door flies open 
and reveals the beautiful splendor of wealth the same hor grandfather saAv 
the same her father and his man saw, and the same Philip Gorden and his 
companions saAv and what she. Princess Sola, and Nera the guard saAv. and the 
eyes that beheld the beauties for the first time were alAvays held spellbound. 
And there they stood with their evps feasting on the beauties as if enchant- 
ed. And thus they stood glued to the spot. Nera comes out of his trance .iust 
to hear footsteps approaching. He then draws Princess Sola to his side and 
whispers to her saying. “I hear footsteps, slip over there in the corner out 
of the light.” And no sooner had Princess Sola done as Nera had bid her do. 
they heard a voice from out of the darkness saying. “Nera whv are a^ou not 
at your post?” “Have vou forgotten the penaltv for leaving it?” Nera did 
not raise his head for he knew who was sneaking. He knew only too Avell 
whose voice he heard. Then said the voice again. “Who is that with you. 
Avho Avere you talking to a moment ago'”’ “Oh mightv master. I was .iust 
murmuring to myself, said Nera. “Why did you enter the cave, and how did 
vou know how to open it?” “You kncAv my rules. You Avere not to enter 
the cave AAnthout my consent.” Then the mighty vom.e Avaited for Nera to 
make an answer, hut there wasn’t any for Nera still stood with a bowed 
head. Then the Amice goes on and says, “You knoAV vour orders were if auA^- 
one tried to force their way in this cave all you Avould have bad to do was to 
have given the signal. Speak up man and give an account of your actions.” 
Then after the voice ceased speaking, a form stepped up and it was in the 
^lear of the oirte toreh : the face of King Babha Pe<-n was seen, and on his 
face was the look of anger and dismay. He looked the guilty man over and 
then said sternly, “You go to your station and wait there until I want you.” 
“Then you must explain to my court the doings of now.” “Now go!” 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OP MOKOLOHO. 


17 


' ' CHAPTER 5. 

Nera with his head bowed not daring to look at his King, leaves the 
cave. How lucky for Princess Sola that her uncle had his back to her all 
the time and was many steps from her, doing his interview with Nera. That 
gave her the chance to slip out without being seen. She then hurried to the 
palace without meeting anyone. Then to her room she went, and breaths a 
breath of relief. She then glided to the center of her room and stood like 
a tigress at bay. She felt safe for a while. But when day light came, what 
then? She knew if Nera was brought to the trial he would be forced to tell 
all. Then her case would be like her father’s. “I must prevent all of that,” 
thought she. “What a fool I was for not waiting a while longer” she said 
to herself. But the anxiety for starting her work of revenge got the better 
of her. She then thought of her father and wished she could hear from him; 
so if the worse came she would have him to go to. I wonder why I don’t 
hear from him, her thoughts ran. Then her thoughts came back to her of the 
present moments and she said, “I must put away my thoughts of him now, 
and look out for myself and my safety.” She then stands in a thinking attitude 
She gave a start for a thought had struck her. A murderous look came into 
her eyes, she then crossed Ihe room to her dressing table, opened the drawer, 
took from it a little vial. She held the vial up to the light and laughed the 
laugh of a demon. She then glided to the door, opened it, looked up and 
down the hall and saw no one. She then stepped into the hall and closed 
her door, glided down the hall and stopped at the door she knew was the 
door that opened her uncle’s room. (Her mind was on what she was doing 
and nothing else). She reached for the nob, turned it and the door opened. 
She glided through the door then closed it softly. Then she glided to the 
table where the decanters were sitting with her uncle’s wines in them. She 
selected the one that she knew he would drink from before retiring. She 
took the stopper from the decanter, then with a shaking hand raised to her 
bosom, she brings out the vial and empties its contents into the decanter. 
Then she glided from the room and down the hall and entered her own 
room again. This was how it was that King Rabba Rega came upon Nera 
in surprise on that fatal morning after the last of the guests had departed; 
he did not feel like retiring immediately so he went out on the veranda to 
have a quite smoke. He seated himself in a corner where the vines were 
thickest. He sat there quietly smoking and thinking of the future of the 
three children and wondering why his son did not come, to him to have the 
final interview regarding the marriage. “I would hate to see M’Teara 
throw himself away on Sola, though she is my brother’s daughter. I would 
not like to see IM’Teara’s happiness placed in her hands, and somehow, I 
am not against her but I cannot bring myself to lote her as I should. There 
is a look in her eyes that makes me distrust her.” Thus, he gives a long sigh 
and murmurs, “My poor boy if you would love Vgonda, Oh, how happy I 
would be this night!” If he had only known his son’s love for Sola was 
dying a sure death he would at that moment be smiling with happiness. He 
threw away the leavings of the cigar he had been smoking and started to 
rise to go in, when he heard a slight noise; he looked in the direction of the 
sound just in time to see a form gliding out into the darkness. He 
wondered who could be prowling about that hour of morning. He meditated 


18 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OE MOKOROHO. 


for a while, then a thought came to him of the cave. He thinks and his 
thoughts ran thus; All is safe at the cave entrance, for I know my guard 
can be trusted. And if there is any danger he will give the signal. I guess I 
had better follow the form, and if this forin has any dirty intentions towards 
the guard I will be near to help the guard. And if it was my imagination 
of seeing a form, a little walk wilt not hurt me. So he took the trail and 
followed the form, and to his surprise, the form took the trail which lead to 
the cave. And to the cave he also went. And you could imagine his greater 
surprise when he saw the mouth of the cave unguarded. 

He . entered the cave and as he neared the secret chambers he heard 
voices, he distinguished the voice of Nera but could not tell to whom the 
other voice belonged. He drew nearer, the light of the pine torch left a ray 
of light for King Rabba Rega to be guided by. And by that light. King 
Rabba Rega distinguished the form and the face of the guard Nera. Upon 
making the discovery he was shocked and could not speak or move for some 
time. For the guard, Nera, he always had the greatest trust and never once 
thought he would betray his King’s family secrets. He had always esteemed 
Nera to the highest i;i trust, and Nera’s father before him was regarded with 
the same trust. And then he asked Nera to explain Avhy he was away from 
his post; but he could not tell why, and when he asked Nera who was with 
him and he said, “No one,’’ he knew Nera had lied. King Rabba Rega knew his 
ears had not deceived him, he knew he had heard another voice. And 
had he (King Rabba Rega) not followed the form to the cave. “Oh,’’ thought 
he, for a thought had entered his mind. That form and Nera had an appoint- 
ment, and it was to enter the chamber, and that form is the one who was 
responsible for Nera’s doings. That form had an influence over Nera, such 
an appointment that Nera would have rather died than to give the guilty 
party away. And that party was from the palace Oie felt sure of that). The 
form said he was to slender for a man; he stopped thinking for a minute, 

and then murmurs, “Can it be ?’’ He just could not go any farther 

with his own thoughts. He then said to Nera, “You go to your station and 
remain there until I want you.’’ After Nera had gone. King Rabba looked 
around the cave and saw no one. He went into the first secret chamber, 
looked around but saw no one. He says to himself. “Nera must tell who was 
with him. He (King Rabba Rega) does not care who it was, Nera must tell.’’ 
The King decided to leave Nera to guard until daylight, then the watch 
would change and the day guard would take the station. After King Rabba 
Rega left the cave he went to his police court and swore out a warrant for 
the arrest of Nera saying, “The arrest must not take place until after he has 
left duty.’’ King Rabba Rega told his police captain he had better sent out 
men right away to watch Nera, but not arrest him until he left duty, unless 
he acted suspicious. King Rabba Rega then went to the palace to get a few 
hours sleep. On his way to the palace be thought of Nera and the mysterious 
form. He was both anxious and dreading to know who the person was. King 
Rabba Rega then went to his room, looked at the clock and saw that it was 
nearly daybreak and thought it was not necessary to undress. He just took 
off his evening coat and put on his lounging robe. Then went to the table, 
took up the decanter that Princess Sola had- a few hours ago, emptied the 
contents of the vial in. He filled a glass, then drank all of its contents. Then 
threw himself on the lounge with the intentions of getting some sleep. But 
he did not get any sleep for in a few minutes he began to have a queer sensa- 
tion about the stomach, and a sharp pain that seemed to grow sharper every 
minute. He was just able to ring for his servant. And when the servant 
appeared he was much surprised to find his King in an almost uncon- 
'mious condition. King Rabba Rega Avas able to tell the servant to go 


77 //' HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


19 


for his son and tell him to come right away. “I will go for him right away, 
but your majesty had better get a doctor also.” “Yes go for the doctor after 
you have sent my son to me. I’m afraid I’m past the doctor’s aid. Please 
also sent Queen Vgonda to me. Tell her I’m sorry to have to disturb her at 
this time of the morning. Tell her my condition, and break the news as 
gently as possible.” ‘‘Shall I notify Princess Sola of your condition?” asked 
the servant. King Rabba- Rega thought a moment, then said, ‘‘Tell Prin- 
cess Sola to dress in her best and come to the throne room inside of an hour. 
Tell her I have a surprise for her there.” King Rabba Rega was sure that 
Sola had everything to do with the condition of things. ‘‘Why had I not 
heeded my fathers warning,” thought he. ‘‘In not having Nauyora or his 
here.” ‘‘If I had heeded his warning, I would not be in this dying condition to- 
day. And I’ni sure, Sola, the daughter of Nauyora is responsible.” ‘‘Oh, if I 
could just live long enough to try Nera, I’m sure I would find the guilty one. 
(Sola), If I just could live long enough to denounce her. I could die content- 
ed.” ‘‘I see it all now, Nauyora was my enemy, although I was nis brother, he 
hated me and it all comes clear to me now” said the dying King aloud. For 
his dying eyes could see what he had not seen before. ‘‘Nauyora hated me be- 
cause I was heir to the throne and he was not. I often wondered why he 
gave me that look of hate at times. I see, it all comes clear to me now.” ‘‘Oh 
Nauyora! father was right, the evil one had possession of you, and your 
daughter Sola has inherited it from you. But I’m thinking Nauyora.” he says 
shaking his hand (as if Nauyora his brother stood before him). ‘‘Your evil 
daughter will not win her point. My children will not let her.” Just then 
Prince M’Teara entered and saw -his father in that tragic attitude. And 
after King Rabba Rega had said those last few words, his strength left and he 
was sinking to the floor. And Prince IM’Teara was just in time to catch him 
in his arms at the same time say, ‘‘Why father, what can be the matter?” 
‘‘When I saw you last you were smiling and seeming happy and here at this 
hour of the morning I’m summoned to your room; and when I arrive I find 
you all excited and exhausted, and looking so queer.” ‘‘My son,” said King 
Rabba Rega (in a weak voice and looking at his son with dying eyes)” It is 
this: I have been poisoned by an unknown hand. I will explain it all to 

you as best as I can after I finish with the matter I have on hand now. My 
time is short and I want to be as brief as possible. I want to talk to you on 
the most important of the many things I want to say to you; for before 
another hour, I wdll be gone from you.” Prince M’Teara had helped his father 
to the lounge and was kneeling beside him weeping, his sobs shook his 
whole large form. He knew what a loss he would feel, when his father 

nfissed pway and how he would miss him for he and his father were more 

like brothers than father and son. The outside room of the king was filled 
with peo])]e for the servant had aroused the whole house, and had sent a 
messenger out to herald all IMokoloho and B/echuana of their King’s con- 
dition. and to look any moment to hear of his death. King Rabba Rega 
vlnred kis hand on his son’s head and said, ‘‘Let us try and be brave my son, 
'make the best of it. and do me one favor before I gb, I feel what I am 
asking you to do is for your own good.” He paused a while and Prince 
M’Teara noticed his breath got shorter and his breathing harder. King 
Rabba Rega thf'n said, ‘‘IM’Teara the favor I ask of you is this: Will you 

marry Vgonda before I die? I want to see her happy, and fulfill my promise 

to her parents. To unite IMokoloho, and Bechuana and make them one, you 
will never regret it. Vgonda will make you an ideal wife, for she loves you 
my son.” Prince M’Teara gave a start, a look of happiness came into his 
eyes. He says eagerly, “How do you know she loves me father?” “She con- 
fessed her love for you to me,” said King Rabba Rega, “that is how I came to 
know.” “Father,” said Prince M’Teara, “you do not know what a happy man 


20 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


you have made me for I love Vgonda in return.*’ Tt was King Kabba Rega’s 
turn to be surprised, and he labored to say, “What about Sola? I thought 
you loved her.” “Father 1 must confess I thought I loved Sola at first, but 
after being Avith the two girls daily, I had time to study each character. 
T found Vgonda's spotless; Sola’s questionable. You see Vgonda S 
has the kindest nature. The more you are with her, the more you would 
want to be. Until at last you feel that you cannot do without her.” ‘ Sola 
so different, when I am in her presence, she inspired me with a consuming 
fire that seemed to influence my whole being. And it seemed that I could 
not keep from taking her in my arms and crushing her to my bosom and 
glue my hot burning lips to hers. But when away from her father, I hate to 
say the word, but I hate her. So you see the feelings I conceive for Sola is 
just a passion. My feeling for Vgonda is love; and I am only too willing to 
marry her now. That, is, if she is willing. Queen Vgonda soon appeaved and 
like Prince ^I’Teara was surprised to see her uncle in a dying condition. She 
went up to the lounge where he lay and knelt on the other side. She could 
hardly ask her uncle Avhat was the trouble, crying at the first glance 
she saw him. When she first saw him she knew he was dying. King Rabba 
Rega was sinking fast. He Avas just able to ask 'Queen Vgonda would she 
marry .AT’Teara before he died, and told her that IM’Teara had confessed his 
love for her to him. And asked her if she would at his wish. “I had made 
up my mind to declare iny love to you and to lay my happiness and love^ at 
your feet” said Prince M’Teara. “I Avas afraid you Avould object to my loving 
you, Vgonda.” “Twas true Vgonda that as children we loved, but I Avas 
afraid your love had changed since you had groAvn and in your traA^els you 
had met some one else. And that is Avhy I made up my mind to wait; al- 
though my love for you had never changed, Vgonda, and if you Avill accept 
my love and be my Avife, it Avill make me the happiest man on earth.” (The 
latter part of the speech Avas true, for he had found in his breast that he 
loved Queen Vgonda dearly). Prince IM’Teara and his father thought it 
Avould be best to keep the affair Avith Princess B-ola a secret from Vgonda. 
It would do no good to let her know. And no harm would come from ber 
not knoAving. Oh, hoAV Queen Vgonda’s heart did flutter Avhen she heard 
those Avords from IM’Tcara’s lips. And to think that she Avas to be his wife. 
And to think, thought she, “I doubted him, and he loving me all the time he 
was flirting Avith Sola.” Then she thought for a second and in her mind she 
said, “Did he flirt Avith Sola or did she flirt Avith him?” Her mind Avent over 
different scenes, Avhen he and Sola were together and at last she came to 
the conclusion that it Avas Sola Avho did the flirting and that Avas another 
case where loA^e Avas blind. Prince iM’Teara brings her mind back to the 
scene by saying, “Vgonda Avhat Avill your ansAver be. yes or no?” Queen 
Vgonda said, looking at Prince iM’Teara Avith love light in her eyes, (and 
Prince IM’Teara saAv from that look that there Avas hope but he Avanted to 
be sure by hearing her say yes) “1 Avill marry you IM’Teara said Queen 
Vgonda not only because my parents Avished'it but because I love you and 
have loved you all my life.” With joy Prince M’Teara took Queen Vgonda in 
his arms and kissed her. With their neAv discovery they forgot that their 
father and uncle had draAvn nearer to the gates of the other Avorld. They 
were brought back from their blissful happiness by the weak Amice of King 
Rabba Rega saying. “God bless you my children and may he Avatch over you 
when I am gone. For the evil one is in our midst. He has come amongst us 
in the form of a human being. So beAvare of him my children. He has 
struck one and he Avill strike again, so beAvare. I have the guard, Nera in 
prison. I will talk Avith you about him a little later.” Then he turned his 
eyes to Queen Vgonda and said, “Are you Avilling to marry M’Teara now? 
I Avant to see the marriage ceremony ])erformed before 1 pass aAvay.” And 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


21 


Queen Vgonda said, “Yes uncle, I am willing to marry , if M’Teara is.” And 
Prince Pu’leara said, “I’m more than willing.’’ 1 That settles it,’’ said 
King Rabba Rega. “You will have to hurry for in a few minutes I 
will be gone.’’ He then turned to M’Teara and motioned to him to touch the 
button to call the servant. And when the servant came. Prince IM’Teara told 
him to summon ail' the gentlemen and ladies of the court, the servants of 
the palace sent a messenger to herald all Mokoloho and Bechuana and tell 
them the marriage of Prince M’Teara and Queen Vgonda is about to take 
place. And tell all the nobelities to assemble in the throne room in less than 
an hour. For the marriage will take place there. After the servant left 
to fulfill the orders. King Rabba R.ega insisted on his son ringing for his 
valet. And when his valet made his appearance. King Rabba Rega insisted 
on being dressed in his royal robe. With all his misery and suffering while 
the valet dressed him, he did not murmur. 





-■;c 

■- r 




r 




22 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OE MOKOLOHO. 



CHAPTER 6. 

After he was dressed In his robe he had the valet place his crown on 
his head. Then the valet with the assistance of Prince M’Teara carried him 
to the throne room and proped him up 'in the throne seat. All the noble 
families of the two dominions had already gathered in the throne room. The 
minister soon appeared and a few moments later, Queen Vgonda made her 
appearance, and by her side was her bosom friend Sadie Mala. Prince 
M’Teara and Queen Vgonda advanced to the altar. The minister opened his 
bible. Prince M’Teara and Queen Vgonda stood side by side, King Rabba 
Rega sat looking on with happiness in his dying eyes for the marriage cere- 
mony had begun. 

When Princess Sola received her uncle’s message to go to the throne 
room saying a surprise awaited her she could not make it out. (The fact 
is the way she first received her uncle’s message, she heard it through the 
key hole from the servant delivering it to her maid). At first she thought 
her uncle suspected her. She wondered if Prince M’Teara had told his uncle 
of his love for her. She was more than anxious to go and see what that sur- 
prise could be. But she hated to face her uncle and look into his dying eyes 
knowing that through her he was dying. She knew how long it took the 
deadly poison to do its work. After Princess Sola had put the poison in her 
uncle’s wine and had succeeded in reaching her room without being seen, 
she threw herself on the divan. After she had lain there, for a few minutes 
she rang for her maid, and when the maid came, Princess Sola sat up and 
yawned, rubbed her eyes and said. “Werina, what time is it?” Werina 
told her the time and said, “I’ve been waiting to hear you ring.” “I intended 
to ring for you, said her mistress, after I lain here and rested for a while. I 
was much more tired than I thought. I’m glad we do not give balls 
and receptions every night, because if uncle did I would be completely worn 
out. I guess it was the dancing that fatigued me. It must be near day 
break,” went on the mistress trying to make her voice sound as a matter of 
fact. “If you *had waited a few seconds longer I would have 
come to you and seen what was the matter. “Well, that is something I had 
never done before, that is to drop down without unrobing and going to 
sleep,”, and the maid believed her mistress’s lies, and began to unrobe her. 
And after unrobing her she puts her mistress to bed; turns off the light and 
leaves the room. No sooner had the door closed behind the maid, when Prin- 
cess Sola bounded from the bed; rushed to the door and turned the key in 
the lock. Then withdrew the key and laid it aside. Then drags a chair 
close to the door then sits there with her ear to the key hole to hear and see 
who came and went. She knew what happened from the discovery of her 
uncle’s condition up to the time of the preparation for the wedding. When 
she heard the word wedding, she wondered who’s wedding. “Oh, I have it,’’ 
thought she, “the surprise uncle sent word he had for me is he has consented 
to M’Teara’s and my marriage. And has .arranged to have it performed be- 
fore he died. I see now why he told me to dress in my best. In my best I 
will dress and look as much the bride as possible.” 

What fun it will be to father when he hears of it, and how easy his 
plans are working. That old fool uncle of mine received me in his home, 
I repaid him by poisoning him. And then he sent for me to marry his son, 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


23 


then blesses us. And says, “ I am leaving his happiness in your hands, Sola ^ 
and know you \vill make him happy.” Then he dies. Then there will be a 
victim less. Then I will start in looking out for M’Teara’s happiness and in 
a few months his happiness will end like his father’s, in the grave. Oh, daddy 
how well your daughter is carrying out your plans of revenge. Won’t you 
have a hearty laugh when you hear. “I’ve won it father, and we will be here 
reigning as this man reigned. Oh, how I hate him! how I hate him! how I 
hate Prince M’Teara and Queen Vgonda! When the time comes, how I will 
crush her. Oh, how I hate them all, I wish I could kill each before the 
world and say I killed them, because I hated them; And if someone was to 
ask why I hated them, I would answer and I would say: “I have no reason 
for hating them; I just hate them.” Princess Sola had worked herself up with 
her mind on her hatred for the three. That if anyone had seen her at that 
time and moment they would quail with fear, fearing she would mistake them 
for the ones she hated. At last she come to herself and rang for her maid. 
And when the maid came, Princess Sola told her to get a gown that would 
make her look as much as a bride as possible without a veil. “And make me. 
raid Princess Sola.” “look my best.” And the maid made her look her best. 
The maid said, “My Princess, how did you get the message?” The message 
was given to me, I knew you was asleep so I thought J would not disturb 
you for a little while. I timed the time and thought I would let you sleep 
as long as possible, then I intended to deliver your message, and then dress 
you. Even then you would have been in time.” Princess Sola was caught 
off her guard, but she found a ready answer for her maid. She said, “That 
was very kind of you Werina, to think of my comfort. I appreciate you for 
it. I happened to be awake and heard the servant give you the message, I 
would have called you right away and told you to dress me so I could go to 
my uncle, but a fit of weeping got the better of me, my grief became so great 
I fainted, and just a few minutes ago I came too.” “My poor Princess,” said 
the maid, to think you had to go through that all alone “I will keep near 
you after this.” 

Princess Sola gave the maid a sarcastic look but said nothing. She 
went to the mirror and surveyed herself. And what she saw there pleased 
her vanity. In the mirror she saw a vision of beauty and lovliness. “No 
wonder.” thought she, “that M’Teara is wild about me, am I not- beautiful?” 
But I’m not going to waste this beauty in Africa. After I become a widow, 

'I intend to go around the world and enjoy mysel'f. I will not be a negress 
any longer, I will pass for white. Father must help me sign a business 
compact. He, the throne; I, the secret chamber. Father must let me have 
diamonds and gold for my work. “I wonder” mused she, “if I would have un- 
dertook this plan if it had not been for the wealth. I’m afraid I would not have 
bothered. Just let father work it out with his own revengence, with his 
old foolish ex-savage people. Because I believe once savage always savage 
in spite of education. If I had not inherited my father’s nature I would, not 
be as blood thirsty as I am. A woman without a heart; a woman without 
a conscience. I hardly believe I care much for father, I cannot feel in my 
heart a spark of love for ihim, and as for mother, I felt the same towards 
her as I do father. I know I’m a peculiar being.” Thus Princess Sola’s 
thoughts ran as she stood surveying herself in the mirror. At last she turn- 
ed from the mirror and told the maid she could go. After the maid left. 
Princess Sola stood there for a while surveying the room and said, “I leave 
you as Princess Sola but will return to you as Queen Sola of Mokoloho.” She 
then straightens herself up in a stately pose with a mocking smile on her 
face and then leaves her room. With that stately pose she entered the 
throne room. 


24 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OP MOKOLOHO. 


Her eyes roamed over the room and what a startling sight she behield. 
King Rabba Rega seated on the throne, bedecked in his royal robe, his dying 
eyes looking eagerly and happily in the same direction where all eyes were 
looking. Her eyes followed their gaze, and behold, there stood Prince 
iM’Teara. Who was that beside him? And he holding her hand; there 
stood a man before them; “Why, thought she, “the man is a minister; and 
what is that he is saying?” “I pronounce you man and wife.” Everything 
seemed to be going around and around before Princess Sola’s gaze. She 
pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. Her mind goes back to the 
words, “I pronounce you man and wife.” “Who was the wife” thought she? 
“I cannot be in two places, here and there. If not I the wife, then who?” 
She looked closer then staggered backward and shrieked out the word 
“Vgonda” and then swayed. Everyone in the room heard her shriek and 
some one near was just in time to catch her before she sank to the floor. 
For the shock was too great for Princess Sola’s overstrained nerves, and she 
had fainted. When she came too, she was just in time to see King Rabba 
Rega giving the newly married couple his blessings. Just then he raised 
his head and his eyes met hers. He then rose from his seat and said, 
“Come Princess Sola be the first to do homage to your future King and 
Queen. On your knees to Queen Vgonda, to show her that hereafter you 
intend to be her humble servant.” It was humiliating but she had to do it. 
Oh, how this humiliation hurt her, for she had hinted to so many of the 
assembled people that she and Prince M’Teara were engaged. 


The hidden treasure of mokoeoho. 


25 


CHAPTER 7. 

• 

After she had done as King Rabba Rega had bid her do, her eyes sought 
his once more. Although his eyes were closing to this world, she saw the 
look of triumph there. She could not bear to see any more. So she rushes 
Irom the room to h?r own room and slame:! the door and locked it. And to 
think after all she had done she had lost. She raised her beautiful hand 
and shook it in the direction of the throne room and said alloud, “Pm not 
through with you yet. I got you Rabba Rega, and I’ll get th« others,” she 
raised her hand up above her head and said, “T swear, I will not not rest 
until I destroy the whole family of yours, Rabba Rega and the ones that 
married into your family, and your children that are to come,” she then fell 
on her bed and gave away to crying, at last exhausted, she fell asleep and 
that was the way her maid found her. The mail had just arrived, and in 
the mail was a foreign letter addressed to her miistress. Her maid brought 
the letter to her room and found her sleeping. She laid the letter on the 
table and left the room very quietly. After Princess Sola went- the 
fomnlities of seluting the newly married couple, the rest of the assembly 
followed suite. After King Rabba Rega liad told Princes Sola to do homage 
to the couple and gave Princess Sola that triumphant look, he sank back ^ 
heavily in his seat. His mission, had been accomplished; he had witnessed 
the uniting of the two Kingdoms; and then he was ready to go. So while 
the people Avere welcoming the Queen, he slipped away to the 
world beyond. So ended the days of the oPlest son of King Mokoloho, 
whose two sons died tragic deaths. One by hand- of the other. 
For it was through Nauyora that Rabba Rega met his death. 
King Rabba Rega was laid in the tomb with his forefathers. King M’Teara 
then reigned and was King over one of the greatest Kingdoms in Africa. 
After the burial of King Rabba Rega, King M’Teara then took up the affairs 
of his father, where he left off. And one of the affairs was the case of Nera. 
K'lig M’Tsara gave three chances to tell. And Nera would not tell, for the 
Princess Sola had sent word to him through her maid telling him to keep 
the secret, and she would see that no harm would come to him. And he 
sent the maid back to Princess Sola saying, he would not tell no matter 
what happened he would kee]) the secret. And when King M’Teara tried 
for the third time to wring the explanation from Nera, he had the same 
ex})erience as the first and second. Princess Sola sent her maid with 
a written message to Nera saying, “As long as you do not commit yourself, 
King IM’Teara cannot do you any harm, but turn you from the dominion. 
And when he does, take this note and show it to Sultan Said Bargash, and 
he will take you in. And in the meantime I will try to see you and make 
some arrangements for your future.” She signed no name, although he knew 
who it was from. 

After King M’Teara tried Nera for the third time, and he would not ex- 
plain why the late King Rabba Rega had him placed in jail, King M’Teara 
thought like his father, Nera was shielding someone. King M’Teara knew 
his father never imprisoned anyone- without a cause. King M’Teara knew 
that Nera had violated the law some way. King M’Teara wished that he had 


26 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OE MOKOLOHO. 


insisted upon his father telling him of the affair. For King M’Teara be- 
lieved in his heart if he could get Nera to talk he would find out who mur- 
dered his father. He knew Nera did not do it, for he heard of everything his 
father did before he went to his room. King M’Teara was for several days 
(after the funeral of his father) trying to get to the bottom of the mystery 
that surrounded his father’s death, but hadn’t any success so far. 

So he turned the case over to the detectives and told them to 
do what they could with the case. King M’Teara did as Princess Sola 
thougth he would do. After he had tried Nera for the third time and Nera 
would not talk. King M’Teara drove him from the dominion. 

♦ ♦♦***♦**** 

We left Princess Sola lying on her bed asleep. Soon after she awakened 
the first thing she saw was the letter the maid had left. At first she thought 
it was from her father, but no, that was not her father’s hand writing. She 
began to open it. “I wonder, thought she, why my hands shake so.” She 
managed at last to get the envelope open. Then took out the letter in a 
matter of fact manner first, then an eager look came into her eyes; then a look 
of agony and pity. Then the look dies away, and as the look fades her face 
pales, and with that pale look her face hardens and becomes set. She mur- 
murs to herself, “he is gone; they killed him. I asked myself a while back 
did I love my father? I guess I do a little for I feel a little flutter and kind 
of sad aching here” (placing a hand over her heart). One or two tears 
dropped Irom her eyes. That showed that Princess Sola’s heart had not as 
yet turned to stone, but was turning. Thus she sat in her grief, ‘Till at last 
she said aloud (only the walls heard) “Father, I hope you hear me from 
the spirit world, I will keep my oath to you even after death. I will carry 
out your revenge.” Then she sat down and wrote that message to Nera. 
After she had called her maid, and sent the message, she sat down on the 
chair and meditated. At last she said aloud, “Ha, Mr. M’Teara, I have fixed 
things with you now. By Nera keeping my secret Will enable me to stay 
here, and stay here I must for I must have my revenge on you and 
Vgonda; and carry out poor father’s plans. ‘Tis true he will not be here 
to reign on the throne, but I, his daughter will reign in his stead.” Her 
thoughts ran on in weaving her new plans. First said she aloud, “I must 
part M’Teara and Vgonda, that I know will be easy .For I know that M’Teara 
was forced in that hateful marriage by his father. His father dead, I can 
easy get him to set it aside and, then. . . . Oh well, there is hopes yet for me 
being Queen Sola. And when I become a widow I will not have to share with 
father, I will have the whole of the throne; and the secret chamber. Why 
the whole business is worth fighting for. There is wealth in that rock, 
(pointing in the direction of the secret chamber). That could buy the whole 
of North and South America, and then there would be plenty* left. After 
T am (Jueen and I become a widow. I’m going back to America, and if there 
is any way to revenge the killing my father I will do so. I will go 
to the extreme just to iliave that revenge, if I have to hire those to blow up 
the whole United States.” What a demon that Sola Smith was at heart. She 
was a great deal worse than her father. And thus she still sat working out 
her i)lans. At last she calls her maid, and when her maid arrives, she said, 
“Werina, tell King M’Teara that I wish to see him here in my apartment at 
his earliest convenience.” “I will, my princess,” said the maid, and with- 
drew from her mistress’ presence to deliver the message. 


THU HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


27 


CHAPTER 8. 

King M’Teara was with his wife when the maid delivered Princess 
Sola’s message. He sent word back by the maid that he would be with her 
her shortly. King M’Teara dreaded the interview with Princess Sola. Although 
he knew it would have to come sooner or later. Thus he sat in a deep thought 
when his wife, Queen Vgcnda, saic^ “M’Teara dear, I think she wishes to 
talk about her future. You see, her position here is not like it was when 
uncle lived. I’m sure that is what she wishes to converse with you.’’ M’Teart 
said nothing, but looked at Queen Ygonda and smiled, and thought, 
“wlrat a sweet trusting little body she is. What a fool I have 
been in regards to Sola, but I guess I am cured now, I’m sure Sola cannot 
awake in me an ounce of passion. For now my heart and soul is wrapped 
up in my little Vgonda.’’ As he left to go to Princess Sola, he looked back 
at his wife and smiled, and she smiled at him in return. Oh, how happy those 
two were in their love. The one shadow in their happiness was the memory 
of their father and uncle’s sad ending. 

After Princess Sola had sent her maid Werina with the message to 
King M’Teara, asking him to come to her and receiving as an answer, he 
would be with her shortly, she set about making herself look as attractive 
as she could. She then powdered her face to make herself look the invalid 
too And when she heard King M’Teara’s footsteps, she threw herself on 
the divan and assumed a very weary look, that she thought would fetch 
King M’Teara to her feet. But there she was mistaken. When King M’Teara 
knocked at the door and she bid him coAie in (in a sad weary voice she 
used for the occasion), she thought when he would open the door and see 
her in that attitude, he would rush to her with outstretched arms and with 
a look of pity and love in his eyes. But when he opened the door, he looked 
at her with a cold, questionable look on his face. And after he entered he 
asked her in a cold matter of fact way, how she was feeling. Princess Sola 
was taken aback at the meeting. For how she had looked for the meeting 
to be so different. Did he suspect her crime? What had her uncle told 
him before he died? She was sure Nera had not breathed a word of her 
secret. Well, she thought if he was turning from her she felt she could 
bring him back. She thought that he 'Was not strong enough to be in- 
different to her charms. King M’Teara stood before her with a cold and. 
an uneasy look, until she said to him with a assumed and sweet smile, 
“Will you be seated, M’Teara, I sent for you because I’m so lonely and 
miserable. Just to think what I have gone through. First dear uncle’s 
tragic ending. When I first heard of him dying, I started to his room im- 
mediately, but before I got to that door (pointing to the door to her room) 
everything swam around me and then I plunged into darkness. And when 
I came back from the darkness I was lying on my bed, and my maid stand- 
ing over me, chafing my hands and bathing my face with cold water. My 
maid then told me (went on Sola in a voice which sounded like she was 
trying to choke back tears) that uncle wanted me to dress in my best and 
come to the throne room, for he had a surprise waiting for me. Oil, how happy 
I felt, M’Teara, for I thought that surprise concerned your and my marriage 


28 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OP MOKOLOHO. 


and happiness. I thought he had given his consent to our marriage. So I 
got up and had my maid dress me in my best. How I got to the throne 
room, I hardly knew, for I was so faint. But I managed to get there. You 
could imagine how I felt when I saw you and dear Vgonda before the altar, 
being united in marriage. Oh, M’Teara, I thought at first it was all a mis- 
take and I was dreaming. And at last when it was dawning on me it was 
only too true, no one could blame me for shrieking out Vgonda’s name and 
fainting. And from that hour on, M’Teara, my heart has been breaking. 
I have not Deen able to leave my room.” 

Princess Sola paused and looked up under her lashes to see what an im- 
pression her words were mailing on King M’Teara. His jaws were set; his 
lip.s in a hard line; he was not looking at her. His eyes were looking beyond 
her in a space. For somehoAv he had not believed a word she said wuas true, 
since his passion for her had worn off. Every time he saw this woman he 
liked her less. He felt sure by no ,v she was playing a part. He was w'onder- 
ing since his father’s death how to get rid of her. Pie had already made up 
his mind to make her wealthy in her own right and spare no money in 
getting her father’s pardon. And then settling a large sum of money oii 
him. And then have his uncle take her to some other city or country 
and start life anew. And that would enable his cousin to be independent. And 
then she could flirt as much as she liked, wdien tired of flirting she Vvouid 
settle down : n 1 marry. He hoped she would by then become a better 
woman. He m.ide up bis mind to tell her this, just the night before. So 

while Princess Sola had paused in her naration, his mind went back to his 

plans. And he thought, “Now is the time to tell her of my plan.” As far 
as feeling sorry for her and loving her, he could not do either. The w'ords 
of his grandfather rang in his ears. “When you bring Nauyora, or his back, 
evil will befall you.” And has not evil come? He can’t but feel that 
this woman was in some way responsible for it. So he told Princess 'Sola 
his plans for her and her father. A look of anger came into Sola’s face. 

And she said, “Then I was nothing to you after all; you loved Vgonda all 

the time you were playing with me and pretending that you loved me.” “i 
thought I loved you. Sola,” he said, “but I found out I did not love you. 
I did not want a woman who would flirt as you did with that detestful 
Sultan.” “Then you were jealous,” said Sola. “No, I was not jealous. I 
will be honest with you, I did not feel the least jealous. I was just dis- 
gusted with you. It was then I found I did not love you.” “When you found 
you did not love me you found you did love Vgonda. Am I right?” “You 
are right,” said he. “I’m glad you acted as you did, for it showed me where 
my duty lay. Your actions showed me the way to find the heart of one of 
the finest and purest women that walks on the face of the earth. And not 
only that, it showed me how to do my duty to my family.” “I could not 
help it that the Sultan was constantly at my side that evening. 1 was en- 
joying myself so much with them all I did not notice my actions, M’Teara, 
for my love was then yours and is now yours. O, M’Teara, how can I stand 
and see you the husband of another, and loving her as you say you do. 
M’Teara dear, you are all I have left now. Read this.” She handed hini 
the letter she had received. King M’Teara read the letter and his heart 
did soften towards her, for she really was alone. She had no one but him 
to look to. His plans had to go. He was forced to let her stay with him. 
He looked at his cousin, she was crying softly or pretending to be crying 
King M’Teara took her in his arms and pillowed her head on his shoulder 
and said, “There, dear cousin, do not cry, it is hard for you, I know but 
let us try and make the best of it. Vgonda and I will take care of you.’ We 
will be mother, father, sister and brother in all. Your home is here as 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


29 


long as there is dominion called Mokoloho Bechuana.” That was the 
name the two joined dominions were called after they were united. King 
M’Teara then arranged Princess Sola’s pillows and laid her head back 
among them and cuddled her as if she was a child. Then he gave her a 
brotherly kiss on the forehead and pulled down the shades and told her to 
sleep a while. He then went out softly and closed the door. “Just to think 
all my passion for her has gone,’’ thought he, and h,ow glad I am to find it so. 
Then he goes back to his wife and tells her of the news of his uncle’s death. 
And she sympathizes with her husband for Princess Sola. No sooner then 
King M’Teara left Princess Sola, she bounded from the divan wich the look 
of a tigress on her face. “So, that is how I stand in this house, as an object 
of charity! Oh, I’ve played my hand, and what have I gained? M’Teara and 
Vgonda, I’m not through with you yet. I’ve gained one point, at that point I 
will stay here with you. On that point hangs my future plans.” 

Two years had passed. King M’Teara and Queen Vgonda are the happy 
parents of a son and heir to the throne. Princess Sola is with them. The 
King and Queen are making preparations for the celebration of the christen- 
ing of their son. Princess Sola is also making preparations for the begin- 
ning of her vengence. I will go back into the passing two years. The ruler 
tt England sent tienry Stanley again to Mokoloho Bechuana to find 
out for sure if the wealth was really there and tell King M’Teara that his 
ruler wished to buy his dominion. Henry Stanley went to Mokoloho Bechu- 
ana and was kindly received by King M’Teara. He delivered his king’s 
message to King IM’Teara and said, “My majesty awaits your answer.” King 
M’Teara answered and said, “Tell your Sovereign that King M’Teara of 
Mokoloho Bechuana does not wish to sell.” Stanley coaxed and made ail 
kinds of offers in his king’s name, but King M’Teara was firm and told him 
he would not sell and to go and tell his King he would not. Henry 
Stanley went to England and delivered King M’Tear’s message to his 
king. The message made the king of England very angry. He called a 
parliament meeting and held a conference with his lords. And at last they 
decided to invite the black king and queen to England and entertain them 
royally, in hopes that they would be able to incfuce King M’Teara to sell. 

Henry Stanley attended the meeting and he told them of the beauty of 
the place and told them of the wealth he was sure was there. Said he, “Do 
you remember, your majesty, of the happenings at Mokoloho while Dr. 
Livingston was there? And how the younger son betrayed a family secret 
of some hidden wealth to some of Dr. Livingston’s men. Did Dr. Livingston 
tell Your Majesty the details of the happenings?” “He did say something 
about it but did not give me the details,” said King Edward of England. 
“Well I met a man that told me he had seen the wealth and said he was 

one of the men that was with Philip Gorden’s party, when the younger son 

of the King showed them the secret chamber. He then went 

on describing the place to, me,” said Sanley, “and the description 

he gave of it was wonderful. 1 told the man I wanted him to 
come with me to England and have a talk with my king about that wonderful 
hidden chamber. During our conversation he told me that he was the only 
one of the white men living that was with Philip Gorden’s party on the^ 
night they entered the secret chamber.” 

“I asked him,” went on Stanley, “where I could find him when I wanted 
him. He gave me his address and in a few days I went to the place and in- 
quired of the man; they told me the man had taken suddenly ill and in a few 
days had died. He had no money and no relations, so they buried him in 
a paupers grave. But I’m sure, your majesty, the fellow told me the truth 
about the hidden wealth. I hinted to King M’Teara about it and I could 


30 THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


see from his actions that the secret chamber was there and that the man had 
told the truth.” The king of England listened to Stanley with an eager, 
greedy look. And after Stanley said he knew the wealth was there, the king 
raised to his feet and said, “My lords, we must have Mokoloho Bechuana 
at any price.” And they all answered him and said together, “Yes, we must 
have it at any price.” Stanley spoke up and said, “Your majesty must re- 
member that they are not savage now, hut civilized and educated negroes. 
They also know the value of their dominion and will not give up without 
a struggle.” And Henry Stanley goes on saying (speaking in King M’Teara’s 
favor, for he could never forget how well he was treated in King M’Teara’s 
home.) There is no better white ruler than he. That land came to him 
from his forefathers. Why not make terms with him, to give him half of 
the dominion and keep the half yourself. King of England thought for a 
while and his thoughts ran thus: The land was his by rights. Was not his 
mission established there by Dr. Livingston? And was it not his mother, 
Queen Victoria, who sent Dr. Livingston there? And was it not Dr. Living- 
ston who started them out in being what they are. And in that way he felt 
that the land was his by right. At last he says to Stanley, “I will take your 
advice, and if I fail I will overthrow him and take Mokoloho Bechuana.” So 
the message was sent as we know: Inviting King M’Teara and Queen 
Vgonda to England. King M’Teara answered the message and said, “I feel 
honored in heirg the guest of your majesty, I accept your invitation, my 
Queen and I wixl be with you at an early date.” King M’Teara felt that 
there was soiucthing lack of it all. The reason why he accepted 
the invitation wrs to go and see what it was. He wanted to 
give his wife a treat by taking her to England, for she had 
never been in a white ruler’s court before. Then ‘again he wanted the 
white queen and her court to see how beautiful and refined a black queen 
could be, and that would make a fine bridal trip too. So King M’Teara and 
Queen Vgonda went to England. The king and queen of England received 
them with honors due their station. They created quite a sensation in Eng- 
land. They dined and danced with the royalties of the land, and enjoyed 
themselves very much. At» last the day came when the King of England 
said to King M Teara, “Your majesty, one of my reasons for inviting you 
here was to make terms with you in regards to your land, Mokoloho Bechu- 
ana.” Those words were said to King M’Teara at the Parliament conference 
meeting, and King M’Teara had been invited to go with the King of Eng- 
land to this meeting. King of England said to King M’Teara, “I wish to 
come to some kind of terms with you in regards to your land.” King of 
England told King M’Teara how his mother had sent out Dr. Livingston 
as one of her explorers to establish missions in the name of his Queen, and 
wherever he established missions, the land belonged to his country. M’Teara 
was taken aback and said, “Is that the way you white Christians say you 
do God’s work? You come out to us savages and teach us the way to God 
and to live like Christians should, and all the time you are planning to 
cheat or steal our land. Well, here is my answer, I will not sell my land ” 
“You are speaking too hasty, your majesty,” said the King of England “I 
have thought things over since I sent you that message to buy I feel since 
then that you have a right to give me half of your land, I want the half that 
came to you through inheritance, that is Mokoloho, you may have the half 
that came to you through your wife, Bechuana.” “I am sorry to say your 
majesty, that I can not gratify your wish, for Mokoloho belongs to mv ohil- 
dren, not to me.” 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


31 


CHAPTER 9. 

“Then you do not intend to make any terms with me?” “I will not make 
any terms with you in giving or selling the land of my father, and the land 
of my future children.’’ “So, that is your answer?’’ said the King of Eng- 
land. “Yes, that is my answer,’’ said King M’Teara. “You better think it 
over. We are not in a hurry for the answer, only I want your majesty to 
understand that I want Mokoloho, and Mokoloho I must have.’’ “I need 
no more time to decide. Even if I took the time to think it over, my answer 
would be the same, Mokoloho I have and Mokoloho I will keep.’’ The 
King of England rose to his feet, with anger in his eyes; King M’Teara also 
rose. Then the whole assembly rose, for they knew things between the 
two kings had come to a climax. There the two kings stood, a white 

and a black king.- Each looked at the other with anger in his eyes. Each 

feeling the royal blood of his race running through his veins. Thus they 
stood for some time, until the King of England said, “What if I forced you 
to give up? I am mighty, I could crush you. I will if you do not give up 
Mokoloho.’’ “You may do your worst, your majesty,’’ said King M’Teara, 
“my answer holds.’’ He then gave a stately bow to the King of England 

and the assembly of the lords and leH the meeting. He then went to his 

Queen and told her of the meeting and the outcome of it. Queen Vgonda 
felt very much humiliated and said to her husband, “I never want to see Lon- 
don, England, again.’’ In a few hours they embarked for their home in Africa. 
After they arrived home, they told Princess Sola all about it. She pretended 
to be in sympathy, but in her heart she secretely triumphed, because ther"? 
was nothing she liked better than seeing Vgonda’s feelings hurt, and was 
glad things turned out as they did. Thought she, this will better my new 
plans and will help me to get rid of the Sultan Said Bargash when I am 
through with him. After King M’Teara had returned to his kingdom, he 
added some additions to his dominion. He erected a strong fort around the 
whole cities of Mokoloho find Bechuaua. He had the moderr gun? put iu. 
His soldiers drilled. England could not boast of a better army. So; when 
the King of England arrived, including his army, he. King M’Teara, would 
be ready to meet them, for he knew he was able to hold against the whole 
of Europe. 

if ' * * * >!< * * 

With the passing of the same two years, let us see how Princess Sola 
spent the two years. When King M’Teara and Queen Vgonda received the 
invitation from the King of England, Inviting them to come to England, 
they wanted Princess Sola to accompany them. She begged them to go with- 
out her and laughed and said, “What does a bride and groom want with the 
third ))arty?’’ Shaking her head she said playfully. “Run along, children, 

I will keep house.” So it was agreed that Princess Sola was to stay home. 
We will find out why, after King M’Teara and Queen Vgonda had einbarlve 1 
for England. Princess Sola sat about working out her new plans in wreck- 
ing the happiness of hier cousins and their home. This is how she went about 
it: First she made a visit to the Sultan Said Bargash; during her first visit, 
he entertained her, took her through his harem; he had his dancing girls 
to dance for her and fed her on his best and did everything he could to 


32 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


make an impression. Princess Sola made him many visits after that. 

She always took her maid for company. During one of her visits to the 
Sultan, he proposed to her and said, “I love you, my Princess, I love you 
better than life! Will you, dear Princess, be the Queen of my harem? If 
you will have me, the rest of my wives will be your slaves, and if they weie 
to be cross to you in the least, they shall pay for it, even if it would cost 
them their lives.” He then knelt on his knees before Princess Sola and he 
said, “See, Princess, how humble I am, the mighty Sultan of Zanzibar kneels 
before you. He is doing for you what he never did before to a being on 
earth.” He paused, then said, “Answer me, my Princess, and let me know 
11’ V fate?” Oh, how triumphant Princess Sola felt. She wished her 

friends in Chicago could only see her now. A mighty Sultan kneeling at 

her feet, and begging her to become his wife. But she does 

not want the job; no, not she. She knew the moment she entered the 
Sultan’s dominion as wife, her liberty was over. Once entering those walls, 
she would be like a bird in a gilded cage. That was not the life she wanted. 
It would do her no harm to accept the Sultan’s proposal. King M’Teara 
had said to her and Queen Vgonda that he thought that England had eyes 
on his land, and they often conversed on the subject. So when Stanley came 
with the letter asking him to sell, his suspicions were aroused. At first. 
Princess Sola was alarmed, for she was still planning to have IMokoloho 
Bechuana, and in that plan she wanted the Sultan to help her. but hearing 
England was after it, alarmed her. She studied and studied; at last she came 
to a better plan, and in that plan she could also use the guard, Nera. So 
at last sbi 3 looked down at the kneeling Sultan and said, “Oh, my mighty 
Sultan. I api)reciate the love you offer me. I do love .vou in return. 
But I have a sacred mission to perform. I took an oath to my dear father 
that I would carry it out (the mission). Though my father is dead, the oath 
holds. I can not marry any man until that oath of revenge is fulfilled. Will 
you help me to fulfil that oath? Will you help me to carry out that revenge? 
If you will help me, then after I am Queen and mistress over the great 
wealth, I will come to you then.” She told him everything about the wealth 
and of the family legends of Mokoloho, and showed him how near she stood 
to the throne. The Sultan readily consented to help her in her plans and 
wait until after they were carried out before she needed to become his 
wife. i\nd by waiting, what a big prize it would bring; Mo- 
kolcho Bechunna; the hidden chamber and P is beiutiful woman. What 
luck. By waiting just a little while and helping her ho would have them 
all. So while King M’Teara was in England and getting ready to fight Eng- 
land. the serpent in his home was getting ready to strike, and also his enemy. 
They planned to strike cn the night of fim christening of the heir. Princess 
Sola had another card up her sleeve she was going to use; she intended 
using the Sultan until she got rid of King M’Teara’s family, then throw 
him over by selling Mokoloho Bechuana to England. First she would pick 
out Mokoloho Bechnana’s strongest vessels and store as much of the wealth 
as she could in them; then send them to America. That was the part of Mie 
word she planned for Nera the guard to do. Then, she was to wait until 
the King of England had made terms with her and she had gotten her 
money for the sale, she would follow her ships to America. That was 
Princess Sola’s last trump that she had up her sleeve, and she often smiled 
to herself about it. 

*********:)=,;. 

The wonderful night of the christening came. The King’s palace was 
ablaze with light from top to bottom. The noble guests from far and near 


Tun HIDDEN TREASURE OP MOKOLOHO. 


33 


were invited to witness the christening of the heir and to participate in the 
pleasures of the evening. The Sultan of Zanzibar was again invited. If 
King IM’Teara and Queen Vgonda had just only known what was to be the 
outcome of his being there,, they would never had invited him. (Some time 
ignorance is bliss, but not in this case). For this eve was what the Sultan 
and Princess Sola looked forward to. Much was made over the little Prince 
and his beautiful Queen mother. Queen Vgonda was more beautiful than 
ever, added to her beauty was the look of happiness. And why should she 
not look happy, for was she not a beloved wife and a happy mother? Those 
alone iilled her cup of happiness. Ah, Vgonda, if you only knew what a 
serpent lay in your den, coiled, ready to strike you, you would b« 
trembling with fear and not looking with content and happiness! Even on 
the same night an army of English soldiers were making their way towards 
IMokoloho Pecbuana. The festival went on, every one was enjoying them- 
selves. King M’Teara laid aside his cares of state and joined in the enjoy- 
ments. Princess Sola and the Sultan were mostly together all evening, and 
if you would take a close look at them you could see from their faces they 
were looking or expecting something to happen. If you would see Princess 
Sola glide from the room and following her from the room, you would see 
her go to the window in the far end of the room and hold a conversation witli 
an unseen person. Thien she would come back and talk with the Sultan. 
So the celebration went on until midnight. Some were dancing, others en- 
joying themselves in various ways. The enjoyment of the evening was at 
its height when a comotion was heard outside. Then the doors were thrown 
open and in came two servants, surpassing a ragged and bleeding object in 
the form of a man. Every one in the assembly hall looked startled and sur- 
prised, The dancers stopped dancing, the music ceased. King M’Teara was 
standing conversing with some of the guests, when the doors were thrown 
open to admit the three persons. King M’Teara and his guests looked with 
surprise upon their faces. King M’Teara motioned the three to draw near 
and asked, “Why enter the assembly hall in this manner?’’ One of the 
servants answered and said, “One of the guards of the outer post brought 
this man (pointing to the bleeding, ragged object) to the palace; they 
found him in this condition banging on the gates, begging them to admit 
him and take him to the King immediately, for he hnd news for the King. 
At iirst (went on the same servant), your majesty, they would not admit 
him, and told him to be gone, but he pleaded so earnestly, that the guaid 
became impressed. They saw that he had been badly treated by some one 
or parties, so they admitted him and then brought him to the entrain e of 
the palace, told us what the man had told them. Then they left him with 
us to bring him here to you.’’ Then King iWTeara looked at the man and 
while so doing he gave a start, for he recognized the man as being the ex- 
guard Nera. The man he had driven from the dominion, and Nera it was. 
When he saw the King give the start and saw the angry look on his face, 
Nera dropped on his knees and said, “I have news for you, news for your 
own safety, “Out there,” said he (pointing in the direction which he came), 
the Kamrase are marching this way to steal upon you unaware.” “How do 
you know?” asked King M’Teara, “I heard their plot. Will your majesty 
listen to my story, and how I lived after I was turned from here?” “Yes, 

I will listen,” said King M’Teara. “First I will make you more comfortable.” 
King M’Teara then told the servant to bring a chair and some water. The 
servant did as he was bid. After Nera had drank the water and was made 
comfortable in the chair, he told his story. “After your majesty had turned 
me out, I wandered about for several days. Some of King Kamrase’s scouts 
iound me and asked me what tribe I was of. I told them I was of the 


34 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


Mokoloho tribe. They surrounded me and took me to their king. They told 
him who I was and he became terribly angry and had me thrown in prison. 
A few days later he had me brought before him and asked me why I was 
away from my tribe. I told him all. After I had told him he said, “Become 
one of my tribe, for no doubt you ha^te your King for treating you the way 
he did. Join me and become one of my warriors and you will have a chance 
for revenge. I’m now making preparations to attack him. I know he has 
many warriors, but I intend to attack him unaware. And then you will 
have your chance. What is your answer?’’ said he. “Will you join us? 

I answered “No!’’ Although said I, my King did turn me out, I will not turn 
my hand against him, 1 deserved being turned out. Did I not violate tiie 
law? I took an oath to keep my Kind’s faith, if breaking that law, I suffer 
the penalty. The King tried to persuade me a little longer, and when he saw 
I would not join him against you, he became very angry and called his 
people together. Then he pointed to me and said, “this man is a slave, treat 
him as such. If any of you see him trying to make his escape, bring him 
to me and I will have him put to a horrible death. I was then beat and 
tortured, and half fed. But I kept my vow. 1 would not join him against 
you. In the meantime I heard their plans and even heard that this is the 
night that they were to attack you. I wondered and wondered how I could 
inform you. At last a plan entered my mind, so, at the last moment 1 went 
to the King and said, “I’m ready to join you.’’ So he furnished me with a 
warrior’s outfit and I started with them, I managed to steal away from them. 
They discovered that I was gone before I got very far. They 

pursued me and sent many spikes flying after me. Some of them hit me. 
That is why 1 am wounded. I ran on. Some of them are looking for me 
yet, I suppose. I managed to get to the gates where your warriors found 
me knocking for admittance.’’ King M’Teara and the rest were spellbouirl. 
t 'ing ^M’Trara believed every word Nera had sai b Durina: Nera’s 

narration, King M’Teara’s eyes never left his face and he saw “truth” written 
there. Princess Sola and the Sultan looked on with satisfaction and thought 
how well their plans were working. Then King M’Teara grasped Nora’s 
hand and said, “My poor exiled subject, how sorry I am to hear how you 
have suffered. Whatever charge my father had against you, I withdraw and 
lorgive you. I I now he would do the same if he was here. I’m gomg to let 
you come back, that will be your reward for this noble deed you have done.” 

' era. b obed in his Kins:’s eyes and sf w tb^t ) e meaiP e\cry word he sa’d. 

He then dropped his eyes and bowed his face in shame and said to himself. 

“To think how I’m deceiving this noble hearted king. Was it not my fault 
that I was driven from this kingdom? Why do I not. tell all, and expose 
that vile woman? Why do I let her wind her vile self around me? And 
why do I let her force me to do her bidding? Why don’t I even now ex- 
imse her?” He raised his head and looked around in search of her. At 
last he saw her standing not far away. The Sultan stood by her s'de. IT’s 
eyes met hers. By the meeting of those two’s eyes, the Mokoloho Bechuana 
doom was sealed. If Nera had not been in Princess Sola’s presence, he might 
at that ^ery moment confessed. But with those magic eyes of Princess 
Sola’s on him, he just could not tell. Oh, how be wished to tell before U 
was too late, but he dared not tell. So the time had passed for him to save 
his king’s life, “Come my good man,” said King M’Teara, ‘you must join 
us in going out to meet the foes.” Then King IM’Teara gave orders to all 
the Mokoloho soldiers to dress in their savage warrior’s outfit and be ready 
in an hour to advance to meet the foe. In an hour’s time the soldiers and 
the gentlemen of the Mokoholo court were back in the assembly hall. 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


35 


' CHAPTER 10. 

What a wonderful change, in about an hour ago, you would have seen 
well groomed up to date men, in that same assembly hall. At the present 
time they looked different. They were the same men but they looked so 
different. The King among them stood dressed like the rest, with a lot of 
feathers on his head. (Something like the Indians of America wore) 
They had rings in their noses, a neckless of animal teeth around their necks, 
and nothing but a little hide hid the center regions of their bodies. On 
.their arms and legs were things that looked like bracelets. Therir feet 
were bare; each carried a long spike and shield; their faces were all smear- 
ed with paint. King IM’Teara looked more hideous than the rest. His paint 
was brighter; he had more necbless, also bra<"el^ts; the hide that cover- 
ed his body was different from the rest; the hide was the hide of a lion. 
That was worn to distinguish his station. (This has been explained before 
I'L.at was v/orn to distinguish his station. These men were also drilled to light 
in a civilized way and could fight as well as any white man, could handle 
a gun as well' as any well drilled soldier. The women were drilled as well, 
and could also handle a gun and a sword. Queen Vgonda went over 
to her husband. He took her in his arms, neither of them said a word for 
both of their hearts were heavy. Queen Vgonda laid her head on his breast 
and sobbed. He stroke her hair and tried to sooth her the best he could. 
Just to think thought she, not an hour ago her heart was light and happy, 
and now it was so heavy and sad. 

* * ♦ ♦_>(( >K * * * * ♦ 

King M’Teara still caressed her, his heart was also sad and heavy, for 
lie fell that he was going from her forever. That feeling, he tried 
to hi'^e it has best as he could, and talked bravelv. encourage her. 
Presently he said, “Darling I will just be gone for a few hours. It will just 
take a few hours to wipe out the Kamarse, and then we will be back. I’m 
.just going to take the IMokoloho warriors with me, the Bechuana will stay 
to protect you and watch for the English, for I am sure they will be near 
here anytime. I’m sorry that the Kamarse brought on this, fight now, for 
they are likely to come while I’m gone and I want to be here to meet them. 
But maybe I will be back in time.’’ Queen Vgonda dried her eyes and said, 
“Why does the Kamarse wish to fight you, M’Teara?’’ “I do not know,’’ 
said he, unless his present King holds a grievance against me for the. hap- 
penings of years back. I’ve often heard my grandfather speak of it. It 
even happened before his time. The IMokoloho and the Kamarse had fought; 
the Mokoloho came out victorious. But after that they became friendly. 
Why this wanting to fight me, I cannot understand. When I meet him on 
the battle field he must explain. And when I return I will tell all. He then 
went over and kissed his baby tenderly, then came back to his. wife and 
again took her in his arms and kissed her. Then says, “Take cai;e of our 
baby.’’ Then he said to one of the waiting, which happened -to be Princess 
Sola: “Be kind to them Sola.’’ While he said those few words to Princess 
Sola, a sad pleading look came into his eyes; she saw it. It was the look 
to soften any hard hearted person but the look never softened her heart 
at alL Princess Sola answered him with, a deceitful smile, and also 


36 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


managed to have tears in her eyes and said in a choking voice, “Dear cousin, 
I will do my best in comforting them while you are gone which I hope will 
not be long.” 

“Probably King Kamarse retreated after he found that Nera had 
succeeded in makins: his escane. He Avould know that Nera came 
straight to you and tell you of his coming.” “I hope he will not retreat, 
for now I want to meet him and make him explain why he wished to fight.” 
Princess Sola was more than glad to hear how determined he was to go. 
She was afraid that her little statement would make him change 
his mind and not go. And what she wanted was for him to go. “Well, 
M’Teara being that you will go, take my best wishes with you. And I will 
do my best in looking after Vgonda and the baby, said Princess Sola. They 
she held out her hand and said in a sad voice, “good-bye dear cousin.” He 
gave her a brother’s kiss and shook hands with her, and then went out, 
found his warriors, and joined them. 

Nera was there with the warriors. After King M’Teara had joined the 
warriors, he said to Nera, “lead us to our advancing foes,” and Nera lead them 
A little of Nera’s history of the advancing foes was true. They did advance 
but not far. Then they managed to give Nera a few bruises, then sent him 
to draw King M’Teara and his warriors out. They then laid in ambush 
waiting. 

King M’Teara was not told that King Kamarse was forced in the plot 
bv the Sultan (which he was). The Sultan and Princess Sola had laid their 
plans and King Kamarse like Nera was their tool. This is how King Kam- 
arse came to do the Sultan’s bidding. Sometime before Sultan Said Bargash 
attacked King Kamarse’s dominion, and overpowered him and his war- 
riors; he made King Kamarse a prisoner and condemned him to death. He 
then made slaves out of King Kamarse’s wives. King Kamarse told him on 
his knees if he would spare his life he would willingly be his slave and do 
whatever the Sultan wished him to do. The Sultan pondered over the 
proposition and delayed the execution of King Kamarse and had him taken 
back to prison. It took the Sultan a few days to think over King Kamarse’s 
offer, and at last he thought up a plan. He then had the King brought again 
before him and said to King Kamarse. “I will spare your life on these con- 
ditions; you may take your people and go back to your dominion; you can 
not go back as their King, but as my slave and servant. 

Everything that you have held, you must turn over to me with your peo- 
ple and yourself. You may be over them, and they may recognize you as their 
King, but when I say do, you must do as I say. And they must do as I say. 
On these conditions will I spare your life. Of course, I could have you put 
to death and then have all that you have held, but after thinking it over I 
decided to let you live. I want someone to look after the dominion I took 
from you, and you are the man I want to take care of it. And here is more: 
If I want you to fight an enemy of mine, you must do it without a murmur. 
Are you ready to deal with my proposition? If so, say the word yes. If not, 
I know what to do.” King Kamarse pondered a while with his head bowed 
down. Oh, how he hated to humble himself to this contemptible person. 
But what was he to do? If he refused, he would loose his life; his wives 
and his people would not have any protection. If he lived, he could protect 
them some and then he might have the chance to turn the table on the Sul- 
tan, and have the Sultan where the Sultan had him. At last he said to the 
Sultan, “I will accept your offer.” The Sultan then allowed him to take his 
people and depart. The Sultan watched them go. He smiled with a wicked 
smile and said to himself, “My dear King, it will' not be many days before 
I call upon you to do my bidding,” 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


37 


In a few days after that, Princess Sola asked for his help to overthrow 
her cousin. The Sultan and Princess Sola planned for it to be on the night 
of the christening. The Sultan then summoned King Kamarse to his palace 
and said, “I want you to take your warriors and march to King M’Teara’s 
dominion; halt ii^ a mile of there; than scatter your men around in a cir- 
cle almost closed; then lay low until you hear a certain signal. The Sultan 
then clapped his bands to summon his slave, when his slave appeared the 
Sultan told him to send Nera to him. In a little while Nera came. The Sul- 
tan then said to King Kamarse, “the parties I want you at this moment to 
attack is King ^M’Tcara and his warriors.” He then pointed to Nera and said, 
“This is the man that is to lead you to them.” He is the one that will give 
you the signal, too. “You must not harm him, but the rest must die. You 
must not let a man live.” Then the Sultan told King Kamarse how King 
IM’Teara and his warriors were to be lured into the trap and massacre. Then 
after he had told King Kamarse the plot and gave him orders what to do, 
he told him to be at the appointed place at midnight and said, “Nera leaves 
here with you, and when you get to the appointed place you must wound 
Nera, and then send him on to INIokoioho Bechuana and see that you carry 
out my orders to the last letter.” He then dismissed the two men. 

I can not describe the agony Queen Vgonda went through, when she 
saw the last of the army disappearing in the darkness on their way to meet 
the enemy. She liked King M’Teara and had the feeling that they were 
parting, never to meet again in this world. She took her babe in her arms 
and sat down and thought over her husband’s words. “Why did King 
Kamarse wish to fight?” The more she thought of it, the more she felt 
there was something else in back of it all. After King M’Teara and his 
warricrs marched away, mcst of the invited from outside of the dominion 
had left. The Sultan and a few others stayed. The Sultan stayed to see 
the outcome of his plot. 

Princess Sola and the Sultan told Nera that he was to give King M’Teara 
his fatal blow and leave the rest to King Kamarse and his warriors. And 
thej^ were almost sure their plans would be carried out without a blunder. 
They were laughing up their sleeves and thinking of the massacre of their 
victims. Just then a bleeding object staggered into the assembly hall and 
fell. IMany that were in the hall rushed to him to see what could be done 
for him. They did not look at him with the surprise they did Nera. They 
were all uneasy and were looking for something to happen. After they had 
made the man as comfortable as they could, and had cleansed the blood 
and dirt from his face, every one startled with surprise and dismay, and 
looked with fear and agony in their faces and eyes, for in the man they 
recognized King M’Teara’s body guard, and they also saw that he was dying. 
They wondered how he managed to come back. He said to them in a blaber- 
ing breath, “ask Queen Vgonda if she will see me right away. ^ Tell her I 
have a wonderful narrative to tell; and ask her if she would please hurry, 
for I am going fast.” The messenger found Queen Vgonda seated at the 
same place, still holding her baby and thinking. At last she came from the 
land of dreams by hearing her name called. When she heard the word 
“the King’s guard,” she listened more closely to what the messenger was say- 
ing. The messenger then told her what the guard had said. After the 
messenger told her the guard was dying, she was sure the worst had come. 
But she would go listen to the guard and hear the bitter and sorrowful end- 
ing which she was sure was to come. Still holding her baby to her breast, she 
went to where the guard lay. With a calm look on her face and with a 
rapid beating heart she looked down on the guard’s face where death had 
stamped its seal and said, “Monrue.” The guard had been laying with his 


38 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. ' 


eyes closed. When the Queen called his name, he opened his eyes and looked 
at her with sadness and said, “Oh, mighty mistress, you do not know how 
it pains me to bring this sad news;” then he paused and looked away. 
Queen Vgonda and the rest of the people felt what was to come. Every one 
stood quietly, waiting for him to continue. He then fastened his look on his 
Queen’s face and said, “Our King and all the rest were massacred.” Hands 
went to the eyes of the woman. Then men dropped their heads. 

Silence and sadness reigned supreme. They were massacred by the 
Kamarse; that traitor Nera was in the plot; we marched on hoping every 
minute to meet the foe, hoping we would see them advancing to meet us 
But instead of them advancing, they lay in ambush and after they had 
gotten us completely surrounded, they pounced upon us unaware, and every 
one excepting myself was killed instantly. I had received my death wound 
but I was able to crawl here to tell you of the treachery. With my own eyes I 
saw the traitor Nera give King M’Teara his fatal blow. Our King was fight- 
ing with one of the foes with his back to Nera, and the traitor Nera sneaked 
up behind him and spiked him. No sooner than he did it, I with niy spike 
intended to run him through to know I would have the satisfaction of 
ending his treacherous life and revenge my King. But I did not get the 
satisfaction of ending his life, but I know I wounded him badly. Just as I 
gave him the wound, I received my fatal wound. I know I fatally wounded 
Nera because I ran my spike pretty deep. After I gave Nera his wound and 
discovered I was wounded, I thought it best to come to you and tell you 
while I had the strength. After Monrue had finished talking he sank back 
on his pillow and closed his eyes and lay as if he was dead. After a few 
seconds, he opened his eyes and looked at his Queen and said. “Beware 
mighty mistress, there is a serpent laying coiled in your midst. It has 
struck several times; it is lying coiled ready to strike again.” His eyes 
rolled bapk and he again sank back on his pillow, this time for the last 
time for King M’Teara’s body guard Monrue had joined his soverign in the 
other world. While Monrue, the King’s guard talked. Princess Sola and the 
Sultan exchanged knowing looks. The Sultan looked around and saw that 
all eyes were on the dying man. He secretly made his escape. Princess 
Sola watched him go with an uneasy look fearing someone would look 
around and see the Sultan sneaking away and would give the alarm. She 
knew if he was caught in the act, he would be suspected and they would also 
suspect her and she would not have the chance to finish her fiendish work. 
So when she saw him disappearing in the dark she knew she was safe. The 
uneasy look left her face, a triumphant look took its place. The triumphant 
look never left her face, it still lingered while she looked into the dying 
face of Monrue while he warns his Queen to beware of the serpent. And 
while he was giving the warning, she, the serpent, was standing with her 
arms around Queen Vgonda’s waist, pretending to be in sympathy with her 
and to copifort her, 




1 


The hidden treasure of mokoloho. 


3!) 


CHAPTER 11. 

Queen Vgonda stood like a statue many seconds after Monrue had warn- 
ed her. Her mind was on the warning. Her uncle had warned her and 
King M’Teara before his death took place, and now Monrue, the guard, had 
said the same thing about the serpent. Her eyes wandered around the 
room in search of the serpent; She looked at each and everyone, she gave 
a shiver as if she were really in the coils of something loathsome. For the 
lirst time since she entered the room she felt someone’s arms around 
her and was trying to comfort her. She looked around and discovered the 
person to be Princess Sola. ' She gave a start and almost cried out to the 
people saying, “I have found the serpent.” Then she took a second 
thought. What proof had she that she knew who the serpent was? At 
that moment her over strained nerves got the best of her. She began to 
feel queer, her knees gave away and her friend Lady Mala was just in time 
to take the baby from her arm before she fell back in Princess Sola’s arms 
in a dead faint. A little later Queen Vgonda came out of the swoon.' She 
then asked for her baby. Sadie Mala brought the baby to her. She then took 
her baby and held him tight to her breast and with her heart rendering she 
cries. Thus she sat for some time with her son held tight to her breast. 
At last her fit of weeping was over, she sat quite still for some time. The 
people in the assembly hall were standing in groups talking in undertones. 
Princess Sola stood a little apart from the rest wtih her handkerchief to her 
face pretending to be weeping. By taking a peep behind the handkerchief 
you would see a triumphant look and she was saying to herself. “Two more 
and the revenge is complete.” 

Silence reigned some moments until the voice of Queen Vgonda rang 
out (not in her soft mellow voice, but in a hard commanding voice) and said, 
“All of my people come under the sound of my voice.” They all looked n 
her direction. She had already handed her baby to her friend and there she 
^ 5 tood standing erect looking as if she had grown several inches taller, and 
i^he also looked every inch a Queen. 

After they had come under the sound of her voice as she had command- 
ed then (Princess Sola including) when the others had heard the command- 
ing voice of Queen Vgonda, they turned and looked startled. Princess Sola 
did not only start but quailed, and when she saw the Queen standing in 
that attitude her courage left her. For she saw in the Queen what she had 
never seen before (a regular foe, a foe that will meet her half way). Queen 
Vgonda said, “Monrue was right, there is a serpent among us my people; we 
are all in the dark and have been all the while. Those few minutes I sat 
there going over the different happenings of the late years, at last I am see- 
ing through the dark the last few outlines of the form of our enemy. I’m 
sorry to say my people that the enemy is now in our midst. But my people 
let us not fathom that out now, for we have another mission to perform, 
and that mission is to go after King Kamarse: compel him to tell us all 
then unmask the guilty one here. And then revenge our dead, the brave 
warriors of Mokoloho. Their King and all are dead; their blood cries out 
'for revenge. “Will you Bechuana, follow your Queen and answer that 
cry? If so be ready to follow me in one hour,” then she dismissed them. 


40 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


She then went over to her friend Sadie Mala embraced her and said, 
“Mala you have been more than a friend to me, you have been a sister, and, 
I love you as a sister. Since the going of my dear M’Teara, I 
feel nearer to you. I’m quite alone. I’ll leave baby with you for I am sure 
you will take best of care of him, and if I do not return you will take my 
place and raise him as your own. If danger threats him. I’m 
sine you will protect him.’’ “Vgonda, if I loose my life in doing 
so, I will’’ said Sadie Mala. But I am sure you will return, I too, have no 
one now but you and baby and I intend to devote my future life to both of 
:\oa. 'the two triends embraced. Each heart was sad for the loss of their 
loved 4 ones. Queen Vgonda again takes her baby in her arms 
and kisses him and hands him back to her friend Sadie Mala, then she leaves 
ihe room to get ready to lead her warriors to the battle field. 

In a little while the men returned dressed for war in their native 
costums. Just like King M’Teara’s men were dressed. They had not been 
there long before they were summoned to the throne room, where their 
Queen awaited them. When they arrived at the throne room, they found 
the Queen was waiting for them. She was seated on the throne with 
her court robe thrown around her. Instead of her crown being upon her head, 
there was her native head dress they wore when they were going to war with 
other native tribes. She sent her messenger to the four corners of the united 
dominion to herald all of the people and tell them of the calamity; and 
tell them that she. Queen Vgonda, was going after King Kamarse to revenge 
the wrongs of the dead, and all the men who wished to follow her to dress 
for battle and come to the palace doors, for she. Queen Vgonda, would be 
there awaiting them. The messengers did as they were told and in less than 
no time every man that did not follow King M’Teara was there on his 
knees before Queen Vgonda, showing how willing he was to follow her 
wherever she went and wherever she wished to lead him. (The palace 
doors to the throne room were placed so that the King or Queen could sit 
on the throne and talk with the assembly from the outside when the doors 
were thrown open. When the King or Queen wished to talk to all of their 
people they would have those doors thrown open and all of the people as- 
sembly outside.) After Queen- Vgonda had talked with her warriors, she 
told them to get in line for marching, and she would join them in a few 
minutes and then had the doors of the throne closed. 

Queen Vgonda then called all the ladies of the court to her. Among 
them were Sadie ]\Iala and Princess Sola and told them to do their best in 
looking after the dominions and the women and children, while she was 
away, and also said, “If the English soldiers come while I am absent, you 
must hold against them as long as you can for the walls are strong and you 
have plenty of guns and ammunition to hold you and each of you are good 
marks-women. You must place watches on the walls and keep watch day 
and night..’’ She then turned to her friend Sadie Mala and embraced her 
once more and said, “Mala I’m leaving with you my all. Oh, please do not 
leave him out of your sight day or night. For I have a feeling that danger is 
threatening him. You watch and if you see any one acting suspicious do not 
hesitate in having them thrown in prison. I’m leaving you in my place.’’ 
She then turned to the rest of the ladies and said, “Take all orders from Sadie 
Mala for I am leaving her in my place.’’ She at last turned to Princess Sola 
and looked her over. (Princess Sola quailed under the look for her guilty 
conscience would not let her do otherwise). Queen Vgonda gave Princess 
Sola a look in the eyes as if she was trying to look down to the bottom of 
that treacherous heart of hers and said, “Sola I have a suspicion that you 
have a hand in all the misfortunes that have befallen Mokoloho Bechuana. 


I 


TUB hidden treasure OF MOKOlOHO. 


4i 


I am almost convinced that you have. I’m going out there, said she, 
(pointing in the direction her husband King M’Teara and his warriors had 
gone) to get proof and then I’m coming back.” Princess Sola gave a start. 
“Oh, you may start Sola but I am coming back. I’ll not be detained like 
M’Teara, I’m going out tliere to demand the facts from King Kamarse 
and then kill him. I’m not going to Ineak upon him, like he did M’Teara, 
for we, Bechuana are not cowards. I’m going to give him a chance to fight 
and when the fight is over I will have the facts and King Kamarse’s life. 
And then I will return and when I do return things must be at Mokoloho 
Bechuana as I left them. If I do not find them so, you must explain why 
they are not. If your explanation does not ring true you must answer to 
me and nothing short of your answer will be your life.” Princess Sola 
said not a word for she knew that Queen Vgonda meant every word that she 
said. Queen Vgonda went on sajyng, “Sola you called me a savage one, look 
. . . .and Queen Vgonda threw off her royal robe which had been thrown 
around her and revealed her dress. (The outfit she wore was the same she 
had worn on the day of Prince M’Teara and Princess Sola home coming). 
Queen Vgonda went on saying, “Do you remember the day Sola, when you 
cam and I wore this same outfit, you called me a savage then. What do you 
think of me now?” 


42 


THB HIDDEN TREASURE OE MOKOLOHO. 


CHAPTER 12. -■ 

Que^n Vgonda not only wore the savage outfit, but also had on th« 
war i)aint and had rings in her nose and ears. She did look indeed a savage. 
Py tliat time Princess Sola was really quivering with fear and was really 
frightened.. Queen Vgonda saw the effect her words and looks had on 
Princess Sola and it pleased her, at least she thought, I have the satisfaction of 
frightenin,^’ her. Then Queen Vognda Said aloud to Princess Sola, “Beware 
Sola that this savage will not tear you to pieces. And she will do it if she 
returns and find any more dirty work done. 

After Queen Vgonda said her parting words to Princess Sola she again 
called the ladies attention and said, “There is one thing, the most important 
that I forgot to mention, and that is our flag. If the English come to you, 
you must protect the flag, do not let it fall.” She then started to the door; 
she stopped and turned around and called her friend Sadie Mala and said, 
“Do not forget to always see that the entrance to the secret chambers are 
well guarded. For I believe our hidden enemies have their eyes on it. I 
have not yet got over the mystery of Uncle Rabba Rega’s death,” 
Then after she gave the last orders to Sadie Mala she bid them all good-bye 
and then joined the warriors. 

They were all there. They went through their native war dance of 
donth. They sent up their voices with their war cry, you hear the cry for 
miles. And you would never believe if you did not know, that they were 
(•i\iiizel. CJtteeu Vgonda’s dance and cry mingled with the rest only her 
dfiuce was wilder, her cry was more blood curdling than the others. During 
their dance they reminded you of the American Indians on the war path. 
After tne dance became wilder, their cry louder. Queen Vgonda said, “Come, 
my brave warriors of Bechuana, let us go and meet the Kamarse and avenge 
the brave warriors of Mokoloho, come.” 

She in the lead the rest followed, still keeping up their dance. They 
marched all day over hills and dells ‘till at last they paused on a hill. For 
right under that hill was King Kamarse’s village. The Kamarse’s scouts 
saw them and carried the news to their King. King Kamarse gathered his 
warriors together and advanced to meet the foe. 

When he was in a speaking distance he hailed Queen Vgonda and in a 
mocking voice said, “Why does Queen Vgonda and her warriors honor me 
'with this visit?” “To avenge my husbands death; to kill you as you killed,” 
said Queen Vgonda. Then Queen Vgonda commanded her warriors to charge, 
the spikes fell among the Kamarse and injured many. 

Then the spikes of the Kamarse flew among the Bechuana. Then the 
fight was on; the battle lasted some time. Queen Vgonda mingled among 
tbem; blood 'dripped from her spike. The Bechuana had won the day, 
but had lost many warriors. The Kamarse were nearly all killed outright 
and many injured. 

King Kamarse was fatally wounded by Queen Vgonda. It was Queen 
Vgonda who made him confess all about the massacring of Mokoloho. After 
ho had told her all, you can imagine her surprise when he said the Sultan 
of Zanzibar was the one that forced him to massacre the Mokoloho warriors. 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE Of MOKOlOHO. 


43 




The Sultan was the last person she would suspect. She then asked King 
Kamarse, “Why did the Sultan wish to harm Mokoloho?” 

“I do not know why’’ said King Kamarse, “You see I am his slave and 
I must do as he bids me. And all he bid me to do was to ambush the 
•Mokoloha warriors and when I had them completely surrounded, I should 
take them by surprise and kill them, and I was not to leave' but one alive 
and that was the man that lead them.’’ Queen Vgonda’s heart was not as 
hard towards King Kamarse as it was at first. She was really sorry she did 
not make him confess before the battle. Then she would have made him 
get his warriors and go with her after the Sultan and get him like she got 
King xvamarse. But it is too late now, for what few warriors she had left, 
she wanted to fight the English. She looked on King Kamarse’s dying face 
and said, “I forgive you and many others, and may the good spirit do like- 
wise.’’ King Kamarse said not a word but took her hand in his hand and 
kissed it, then sank to the ground and died. Queen Vgonda^ stood looking 
down on him and shaking her head sadly. 

A hand touched her, she looked down and saw a form half raised from 
the ground asking her to kneel down by him and listen to what he had to 
say. She did as he asked. No sooner than she saw his face she knew him 
for he was none other than the ex-guard of the hidden chamber, Nera. The 
surprise took her breath for some time, at last she said, “Nera, you traitor, 
I thought you were dead.’’ Oh, mighty mistress, the good spirit did not 
intend for me to die until I confess and unmask that serpent of a woman. 
Plighty mistress, I’ve been so terribly treated that is why I have been so 
wicked and have done you and yours so much harm. If it had not been for 
her, I would still be your trusted guard. She made me become madly in 
love with her, and then made me to do her bidding. “You speak of her, 
who is she?’’ asked Queen Vgonda. The dying fellow at last said, “Prin- 
cess Sola.’’ Then Queen Vgonda said, “At last I am beginning to see it all.’’ 
She did not know whether to be angry or sorry for the poor foolish fellow. 
At last her pity got the better of her anger, she knelt beside him and said in 
a kinder voice, “Tell me all about it Nera.’’ 

Nera hung his head with shapie for a while and thinking of all he had 
done to this noble Queen, and knew she knew he had helped to wreck her 
happiness. Even then, could find in her kind heart to speak to him kindly. 
He hid his face in his hands and wept like a child. Queen Vgonda laid her 
hand gently on his shoulders and said, “Tell me all about it. By confessing 
your conscience will be cleared. Tell me from the beginning to the end.” 
He told her all we already know. The part he had a hand in; he told of the 
Sultan’s part of the plot, and in the winding up of his confession he said, 
“I’m sure it was she who killed your uncle King Rabba Rega. Oh, mighty 
Queen, she is a vile woman, I did not know at first how vile she is. “Beware 
of her my Queen, for she intends to do you more harm.” Queen Vgonda 
thought for a while then said, “Do you know why she hates my family, 
Nera?” 

“No I do not know why, but I do know she hates her father’s family 
and you included.” Queen Vgonda looked at Nera and saw that he was 
going fast. He was looking at her with a pleading look in his eyes as if say- 
ing, ‘^Please forgive me.” And she did forgive him. For it all came back 
to her mind how the woman once had her M’Teara in her snare. 

After Queen Vgonda had told Nera she had forgiven him for what he 
had done to her and her loved ones, she said to him, “Nera, your King’s body 
guard Monrue, told me he left you dying from a fatal thrust which he gave 
you, how is it I find you here ” “The Kamarse brought me here after they 
found that I was alive.” There is one more question I want to ask you 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


44 


Nera.” Where is the place the Kamarse attacked the Mokoloho?” Nera 
told her. Then afterwards Queen Vgonda left Nera the ex-guard of the 
secret chamber to die without being disturbed by any of her warriors. Instead 
of her calling them to her, she went to them. She knew if they saw Nera 
they would inflict some severe punishment upon him, and would rejoice at 
seeing him in agony, and she said to herself, “He has suffered already for 
his sins, so let him die in peace.’’ She then went over to her warriors and 
told them the startling news. (King Kamarse’s confession) and said, “We 
are too weak a body now to go after the Sultan, for he will surely over 
power us. We will go And the bodies of King M’Teara and his warriors and 
bury them, then go back and protect Mokoloho Bechuana from the English.” 
She did not mention Nera’s confession to them for that was her secret. 

She had made up her mind to make Sola confess, then, well. Sola must 
suffer for her crimes. When the army neared home she was still wondering 
how she would punish Sola for her crimes. Just before she entered the 
palg,ce, she drew one of her head officers to one side and said, “Tell all of 
them that I am missing, and say you think I was killed. The officer looked 
astonished.” “I will tell you my reasons for wanting you to do this, 
later.” She left the officer standing there and entered the palace by the way 
of a secret entrance. The officer looked after her for a second; shook his 
head sadly and entered the palace by the main entrance. 

As soon as Queen Vgonda and her warriors marched away. Princess 
Sola sent a message to the Sultan telling him of Queen Vgonda’s doings and 
said in her message, “Get your army together and come up on the rear of 
them and that will surely be the end of the Bechuana, and you and I will 
be in possession of Mokoloho Bechuana. Sultan Said Bargash might have done 
as Princess Sola had told him if the English army had not passed his 
dominion on their way to Mokoloho Bechuana. So he thought it was best to 
stay away although he wanted Princess Sola and much as he ever did, he 
wanted Mokoloho Bechuana, also. 

But he was not going to have any trouble with England in trying to get 
them, so he looked towards Mokoloho Bechuana with a sad longing look, 
shook his head and sighed, and that was the last that was heard of Sultan 
Said Bargash. 

****♦♦*♦*♦♦ 

While Queen Vgonda was away Princess Sola was not idle, she was sure 
Queen Vgonda would never return, so she sat about finishing up her plans. 
After she had sent the message to the Sultan, the first thing she did was to 
get on good terms with Sadie Mala, Queen Vgonda’s bosom friend in whose 
care the baby was left. She succeeded in getting in the graces of Sadie Mala, 
she made much over the little King and would say to her, “I’m going to help 
you take care of baby and Mala allowed her to help. So one night Princess 
Sola entered Sadie Mala’s room sooner than usual, and as she thought no one 
was there she went to the table where a pitcher of water stood and dropped a 
few drops of poison from a vial she held in her hand, she then went to the 
place where the baby’s night bottle of milk was, and dropped a few grains in 
it. The poison she used for them was not the same she used for King Rabba 
Rega. The kind she used for him did not kill quick, but this she used for 
them did. 

No one saw Princess Sola enter the room and no one saw her leave it. 
The next morning Sadie Mala’s maid ran into the room where all of the 
court ladies generally assembled with a frightened look on her face and 
said, “My Sadie Mala and the little King are dead in Sadie’s room.” They 
all rushed up to the room and found what the maid said to be true. Princess 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOEOHO. 


45 


Sola was among them. The ladies were so frightened that they all went to 
their rooms afraid to leave and afraid to eat anything, fearing they would 
meet the same fate as Sadie Mala and the little King. Princess Sola took ad- 
vantage of the situation and had Sadie and the little King buried the next 
day, and on that same day the warriors came back from the battle. The 
otiicer did as Queen Vgonda had told him to do. He told all of the 
soldiers they must put out a report that Queen Vgonda was missing, and 
he also reported it in the palace. When Princess Sola heard it she sat about 
right away in making preparations for her crowning. She was going to 
make a grand day of it, if it had not been for the fear of the English coming 
she would send out invitations far and near. But she had to be contended 
at having her own court ladies and gentlemen as her guests. 

The day of Princess Sola’s crowning came. Oh, how she had looked 
forward to that day. Princess Sola was out of bed earlier on that day, she 
went to the window of her room and looked out and said to herself aloud, 
“what a beautiful morning. How fate smiles on me. This is my day of 
triumph, the day I have long looked forward to. Oh, father if you were only 
here to be happy with" me. I’ve kept my oath to you; I’ve wiped out the 
whole family.” Her face then paled and she threw her hands before her. 
Her face turned aside. The visions of her crimes were before her. Then she 
said to her unseen foes, “Yes, I killed you all.” She went with her eyes 
staring, with her teeth showing (for her victims had returned to haunt her). 
“You asked me why I killed you!” I promised my father I would kill you 
Rabba Rega and jM’Teara, you ask why he wanted you killed! “Well, I will 

tell you He hated you and wanted your possessions, your wealth; I 

killed you because I also hated you and wanted the crown and the wealth 
with it. You ask why I killed your brat,^did he not stand between me and 
the crown? You ask why I killed that Sadie, I had to kill her to get to your 
brat. Yes, I know she was not of the family, but she stood in my way. Look 
how many were sacrificed before I got you M’Teara, now I have told you all 
go back to heaven or hell where you came from and leave me in peace. You 
say you will not go, yes you will go!” She picked up several articles and threw 
them at the unseen foes. The noise from throwing of the articles awakened 
her maid, the maid could not think what could be the matter. She rushed 
to her mistress’s room and was surprised to find her up so early and stand- 
ing there looking so queer. The maid hurried to her mistress, took her by 
the hand and lead her to her bed as if she was a child. Princess Sola let her- 
self be lead like a child for she was really bewildered. The maid said after 
she had put her mistress in her bed, “Shall I bring the doctor to you?” “No 
Werina, you need not. I will lie here a while and then I will be alright. Go 
back to your room, I will ring for you if I want you.” 

The maid saw that her mistress was comfortable and left the room. 
Princess Sola knew that was an evil omen in seeing spirits of her victims ap- 
pearing to her on the day of her crowning. 


I 


46 


THU HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


CHAPTER 13. 

The English army had drawn nearer to the Mokoloho Bechuana. A 
little cloud had entered in the sky on that wonderful day. The throne room 
was decorated for the occasion. Princess Sola was dressed in a beautiful 
royal robe she had gotten for her coronation. At last the hour came, she 
was to be crowned Queen. There stood the minister that was to place the 
crown on her head. He stood there with the crown beside him, waiting for 
the princess to advance. Princess Sola advanced to the throne. (The throne 
was raised a few feet from the floor). Her foot was on the second step that 
lead to the throne, .lust then the secret door that was in betw^een the throne 
seats flew open and there in the secret door stood Queen Vgonda. Princess 
Sola fell back with dismay, there was only one word she could say and that 
was “Vgonda.” An 1. Queen Vgonda it was in all of her splendor. She look- 
ed at Princess Sola with flashing eyes and said, “Yes ‘tis Vgonda; you did 
not look for mo back, did you? I told you I was coming back and must And 
things as I left them. I know all about your crimes. Sola.” Queen Vgonda 
took her and shook her just as if she was a rag. Then Queen Vgonda called 
all of the people nearer and said, “The guard Nera had told me all, this she 
devil is the cause of it all. She is the cause of all of our misfortunes. She 
conspired with that Sultan, Said Bargash and between them they wrecked 
our homes. They made poor Nera their tool.” It would have been pretty 
bad for Sola, had not Queen Vgonda interfered and said, “Stop my subjects, 
her life belongs to me.” Then she said to her officers, “Place her in prison.” 
Then she looked around and said, “where is Mala? Where is my baby?” 
Every one dropped their heads with a sad look upon all of their faces. Each 
one hating to be the one to tell her of the sad news. At last one person took 
up courage and said, “Oh mighty Queen, we. have sad news for you. Your 
friend Sadie Mala and your baby are dead. We found them in Sadie Mala’s 
room dead from poison. Queen Vgonda looked startled, then passed her 
hand across her brow, then staggered and said in a grasping voice, “Dead, 
Poison, who did it?” “We do not know” said the same person. “Where are 
their bodies?” said Queen Vgonda in a whispering voice. “They are buried.” 
“By whose orders were they buried?” “By the orders of that woman there.” 
The speaker pointed to Princess Sola. Princess Sola was still there between 
the two officers. Queen Vgonda looked at Princess Sola for a second then 
said, “I see it all now, you thought me dead, nothing stood between you and 
the throne but that poor little innocent babe, and you she fiend took his life.” 
“Woman are you human or are you a fiend from hell that took the form 
of a human being that you might mingle among God’s people and destroy 
them.” She went up to Princess Sola and said, “Do you remember my threat 
to you before I went to battle? Well Sola, that threat holds good. I’m going 
to let you see what a savage can do.” Just then the beating of drums was 
heard and the firing of guns. The English had arrived. Qoeen Vgonda 
turned to her subjects and said, “Go to your post my brave men. Fight to 
the last, hold Mokoloho Bechuana as long as your life lasts. Go my brave 
soldiers. Go! ” 

The men all left excepting the two men who held Princess Sola. “You 
may go also” said Queen Vgonda to the two officers, “I will answer for Prin- 
cess Sola.” Then Queen Vgonda turned to all of the court ladies and said 


< — 


THE HIDDBN'TREASURB OF MOKOLOHO. 


47 


“You go, too, my brave ladies and if you are needed, fight. As soon as I am 
through with this vile creature, I will join you.” Then the ladies also left 
the throne room. So at last Queen Vgonda and Princess Sola stood facing 
each other. Each one trying to read on the others face what was on the 
others mind. At last Queen Vgonda said as calmly as she could, “Sola you 
have worked hard for the throne, even went through blood for it; what 
good will it do you after you get it? You will only have it for a short while. 
The English soldiers are here and here strong and Mokoloho Bechuana will 
be taken. What little time Mokoloho Bechuana is mine, I will give you the 
ruPng. I will let you be Queen during the time we have leit. 
You may have the thing (pointing to the crown) that you covet must 
If you come out victorious with your fight of death with me you shall have 
it. Sola, there is one thing I would like to ask you and you must answer 
truthfully. “What motive* had you for wrecking our noble family?” “When 
you first came here, I could see that you had some motive in view, now tell 
me the truth for once, what was your motive.” “I will tell you what that 
motive was being one of us is to die, and I am sure the one to die will be 
you,” said Princess Sola in a mocking sneering voice. “I promised my father 
I would come here and destroy the Mokoloho family.” “Why then did you 
want to marry M’Teara.” asked Queen Vgonda. “That was in the plot,” 
cooly answered Princess Sola. “I was to marry him, then kill him and his 
family. You was not included, but after I saw you I made up my mind to 

kill you too. I was going to let you live longer than them, so I could taunt 

you, I hated you!” “Queen Vgonda wondered why she was so calm while this 
woman was taunting her. “I guess it is because I am to take her life,” 
thought she. She then taid to Sola, “You can have the throne I must be 

killed. You must walk over my dead body to get it.” “Then she walked over 

to the wall, took down two swords, then came back to Princess Sola and with 
the two swords laying across her arm she said, “Take your choice Sola, then 
let us begin our fight.” Princess Sola looked at her for a second and then 
laughed out and said, “Do you know that I am one of the best swords-women 
of the United States of America?” “You are foolish to let your throne go so 
easy, let us choose some other weapons!” “Queen Vgonda only gave her a 
steady look and said, ‘choose. Princess Sola, choose.” Then they took their 
position, they crossed swords and the fight was on. 

The little cloud that was seen in the sky grew larger and larger until at 
last it covered the whole heavens. When Queen Vgonda and Princess Sola 
crossed swords, at that moment it seemed that the whole artillery of heaven 
harl let loose. There was a terrible clash of thunder that shook the whole 
earth; the palace rocked like a cradle. The two women heard it not, their 
minds were occupied. You could hear the English and the Mokoloho guns; 
war was in the palace as well as outside, and the angry heavens were over 
them. Outside the English were gaining. They had succeeded in battering 
down the walls and were entering the dominions. The Bechuana 
soldiers knew they had lost, but the brave fellows fought to the last. Inside the 
palace the war was still on. On Princess Sola’s face was an excited look, a 
calm look was on Queen Vgonda’s face. Her arm and eyes were steady. Prin- 
cess Sola was trying to make a certain play. Queen Vgonda saw it and was 
calmly keeping her from making it.* She intends to make it herself. But is wait- 
ing for her foe to get more reckless in her sword play. What they both wanted 
to do was to make it to the steps that lead to the throne. If they made it they 
both thought, “I will win.” Each wore her court robe with trains that made 
it pretty hard for them. At last Queen Vgonda got Princess Sola just like she 
wanted her. She thought, now is the time to make it for the steps. She gain- 
ed the step, in doing so she gave Princess Sola a chance to give her a fatal 
thrust. It seemed as if Queen Vgonda did not know that she was hurt for she 


48 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


kept on lighting as at first. She gained the second step then the third. 
Princess Sola rushing her. Princess Sola knew she had struck Queen Vgonda 
and knew she soon would give out. She became a little careless in her rush, 
Queen Vgonda on the third step saw her chance and took it. She strengthens 
her arm for the thrust. She gave the thrust with all the strength of her 
arm. Princess Sola saw the sword pointing to her breast. She tried to stop 
it but could not for it had entered her breast. “Oh, how it hurt.” The hurt- 
ing got deeper and deeper till something. . ; Princess Sola fell back dead with 
the sword wound through her breast. Queen Vgonda stood looking down at 
her dead foe with the bloodsword in her hand. Just then the lightening flash- 
ed, for the storm was still on. It was a night to be remembered. At every 
]ieal of thunder the earth would shake and tremble, and would sound as if it 
was being torn assunder; by now the firing of the guns had ceased, at the 
flash of the lightening, Queen Vgonda starts and found that she was wound- 
ed. She hung her weary head and wept, and said, ‘AI’Teara I kept that vile 
creature from the throne, but my arms are not strong enough to keep 
Mokoloho Bechuana from the English, they will not over-throw me. IM’Teara 
for I am going to take my seat and sit there until you come for me.” She 
had one more step to go to reach the seat. She managed to get to the seat; 
she sank down very heavily, sat there a while with her eyes closed. If it had 
not been for seeing her breathing, one would have thought she was dead. 
At last she opened her eyes, the eyes where death had set its seal. Then she 
prayed. In her prayer she said, “Oh, kind spirit, will you let Vgonda 
into your Kingdom? I would not have been so wicked and killed but that 
evil one in the form of a woman made me do it. Please kind spirit, forgive 
me and let me into your Kingdom with my loved ones.’’ Thus prayed Queen 
Vgonda with her hands lifted upward and dying eyes looking into -the great 
beyond. 

Her prayer was answered. The darkness gave away; the lightening 
and tkun^er ceased. A heavenly light shone on the face of Queen Vgonda. 
a smile stole over her face, for she saw her loved ones. Her face "lit un 
with a feavenly smile and she said Father! :\Iother! Uncle! M’Teara and 
baby! I come! I come!’’. . . .She sank back in her seat as if tired and fell 
asleei"*. 

The English had taken Mokoloho Bechuana. They battered down the 
walls and had succeeded in breaking down the doors of the palace and had 
entered the throne to overthrow the ruler. When a sight met their eyes, 
and it held them spell-bound for they were just in time to hear Queen 
Vgonrip.’s prayer. Every hat went of^ and those that did not kneel hung 
their heads and thus they stood until she passed aAvay. 

“Come boys! ’’said the English General, we will have to sleep here in 
the palace to-night, to-morrow we will bury the ^ead then look for the 
hidden treasure. We will find it I am sure; we will then place an English 
flag over Mokoloho Bechuana; then we will go home. The English soldiers 
did not sleep well in the palace that night for the ghost of the IMokoloho 
were around them, some of the soldiers heard and saw them and they were 
heard to cry out when they saw them. Every one was thankful when" morn- 
ing came. As soon as they had their breakfast, they started out to look 
Mokoloho Bechuana over. Another sight met their eyes for Mokoloho 
Bechuana was nothing but a mass of ruin. .The storm that night before had 
done its work. They buried all of the dead bodies they could find. The 
General had the dibris cleared away from the entrance of the burning tomb 
and laid Queen Vgonda where the rest of the Mokoloho laid. They carried 


THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MOKOLOHO. 


49 


Princess Sola’s body outside the gates and buried her in a corner without any 
mark to show her last resting place. After that the English soldiers tried 
to find the cave entrance to the secret chamber where the hidden treasure 
lay, but they never found it. The storm had hidden it completely and every 
one that had known of that hidden wealth was dead. So the English General 
hoisted the English flag over Mokololio Bechuana then went home to 
England. 

After the General and his army h'ad gone to England, he' reported 
to his King the taking of Mokoloho Bechuana, of the tragic death of Queen 
Vgonda and Princess Sola, of bis burying the dead and of his failing to find 
the hidden treasure chamber of Mokoloho. The King of England said, “Do 
you believe there was such a place called the secret chamber?’’ “Yes, your 
majesty, I firmly believe there was; and I believe that God does not intend 
for any other than the Mokoloho’s to have it; I believe that was why he sent 
that terrible storm on that night to hide it.’’ 

It was true, God did not intend for that great wealth to pass from the 
possession of the Mokolohoens to another. 

He*])!******** 

“Oh, yes your majesty, I have brought you the flag of Mokoloho Bech- 
uana, is it not beautiful?’’ He took from his breast pocket and showed a 
beautiful large piece of silk and spread it out full length before his King 
and all who assembled there. They all could not help but salute that flag, 
and salute the flag they did. The King of England shaded his eyes with his 
hands and no one could see his tears. At last when he felt he could control 
his voice, he shook his head sadly and said, “A Kingdom there was.’’ 

* * * * * * * 

Mokoloho Bechuana did have a flag. The flag had all the colors of the 
rainbow, with a horrible head of a beast without a name in the center of it. 


END. 



h' ..;■•• \' f-' ■ 




V ', 


S \ 


i' ^t*' "'3 y /?*>■’ TE' ' ■ ' ' ' 


'» Vi V'J 




. '' 


/ 1' 




V 






■it 






i\ 






7' 


Y* 






il ' 


'".x '■ ;i;3 


fxC..» 


•!. \ 




-f 










Tv 






* i< 




K.V 




■S', 

<- fjy .. '/i 


» -.1 . . . t 

• ‘ I 


I ^ f^'. 


TO 


yr ••*. 


f 


>»' 










^.v^ 4 r; ■ 


1^' ' - 


/■ 


S 4 t. 


; 'yi* 


t ir 


' f.'^ ,Jfrr 

A . • 




r ■, ■ ' i/t ». 

. # -v '' Mv 

» . - 1' :, . y 


> 4 




•’ Tt- 


V. ^ 


1 • 






VL 

^•iT ,/■ 




j; 


> 7 * • 


h‘ 




t'f' 




■ f I 


I « 


lilBV 




\ .i 


Pi^»l 




*iL • ' ' 

j " ’ 1 

,V»‘ i »r’ 

7 »■ ' r 

' 5;' S' ''it 




f* 




■f^r 


« 


H* 1 




’>Vi 


r* vti 


r?: 


» 7 ..v •> 




> • 


If 


' 'vL iv- ',Hi 


i>'l 


1 i. 


rv'.-. -- 

Kuv.-i''vi 




K-t 


?»*.* * 


•,‘ 1 




« J 


‘ tVl 






‘H . ‘ 


>1 


,' > 




I - ^ 








re** 




wt- 








I A, * 

? 




S' 






•S'f' 


•L' '. 


• »* 


vr. .. 


. f'- 


.« 


1* '/i 


f i*' 


uy-. ‘ 


•<!.'< 






» .fi* 


’■••(V 

r.r 


jV 


■ ■ » 




-r. 




,U^ 


# 


& 


^ C I 




.'A 


'<) 




Lig^ : 

■’ i'4 




v; 


l.,'i I 


'-6; 


fv'V' 


W 


:> ’N 




1 • 




I - 


V 'll i 

• , \.r } i. ;- 1 '^ 
■ ' -* > ' *,« 1 




V' 


V>' 


; » N 


' • \ iv^ t' * \ t 

L»' •a'';s.,..- :•'' 


%l •[•■' 


•.•' ^ 'S' ' 

.» M > •>?' . 


; » 


Jpi,' V - 

x • • 

I'l ij« ..'A', 

Tv'h '. ■' ', 


• » 




• J 








1 -‘“J J A . -S * ■ ■', 
I • ■• •'i'* ' 11 ^ *■• *' 




•fe. 


V t 


i’*J 


' 4 lu 


\f<V 


■^14 




»1 


r.t 















• ’ r 





*4 




I't. > • y j/l 

i*' ■' i 




•^t; 


• ■ t 


f AXf x-T 






S'l-i 


‘ ■ ' - , JW','. '■ 

mm^ 




'Jit 


V. 


t t 


/-S* 



^ ■ V.' 


.lv;M 


’ k \ 














t » 


I •. 


U ’ 


• <• ' 


’ rMm 


■’P ■ ''^i' 

i. '■ m. •■ 

’f. : '■ 


. I 

- I < 


n. 


I * 


• ‘ .V-r '' ■ ^. ' ■• 



». ' ^ lAV ■' 


»ii< 

“I < 

•> . . ■•'■«.< 3,^1 






• * * ^ • • , . • *. 





' . \ 


A • 


• • 

\ 


* \ .y; ' \ ’ * ’ 




I - 


/ 


K 


, . I-A , . . 

\*W •■ 

L' ^>'t! V ■* v-.\ ■' .'''ft' 

■' '‘m . ’‘■•■Av •' 



'■/•■V-l 


/ ' *• 
• V •> I ^ ' 






' ^ -‘Jv* *;■ ■ , . j . 

‘ .v: ; r . 



V . ; 

> .• ' M . 


m ■ ■ 

S'? ‘ i' ■ 




I ' » 





. ' n‘..;j. ■-• • . ’ . 

r» “ '■ '.w ' • * • ■ ‘ 


■y ' \r> \>f ‘ 

’ .p> • . .^ > . I 

• ^. . < I 

%• 


y'iV.'vi- V. 





( 



I 




C" 

> ' 

I i 

c 




'f A 


\ « 




'k ‘ • 

*: •K 


t- 


« p\- 


% - * 



^ ' 1 ' • ... <* * • 


t I 

r' 


■ I 


/ I 


.• ( 


w s 

L 






. • ^ t M • . 4 ^ ‘ 

.. ' * e: V ' 



^ '-'V- 


wi 



I.v. 


■I 


' ■ 






i.Ui-.C ■ ■ '■ ' 


jniP-'-v* '•''i''- 

•.. ^ -V -n 


> « 


^ • 


V 


* ( 


• • 







f ‘ 'K r i ‘ 

' *• i>> *': -J''' 

■ h; 




* • y. I ,M^ 


i 




»-♦' V 


• V ||, 

/'# r ■ 


• '■V - MW, 


' > 




:■ V 


V-' 




> 


« ( 


*• « 


y ' 

.♦ j . 


- t*.' 




7 H ‘ 


7 - ... ,' 

•,</i * 

p 


.V 


/■ 

I 




n . 


V*^.-‘ 


•j 


' ^Z, f 

jy 


V 


V« 


n 


W j 

• S: 

,1 ■ * ‘ » r 

i/t • 






«> 

t .' 


f'-; . 


i' 

L-. 


»> 

.t 








^ I 

\ 



■u 


h 

« 

} 


• . t 


I 




* V 



'• F 




» 







1 I 




4 



















